Words cannot articulate the dramatic impact of our new Double Kudu Horn Floor Lamps. Hand welded Kudu horns connect end to end forming a gently flowing spiral to create an architectural and artistic anchor in any room. The design and beauty of this lamp is exceptional! Each lamp takes up to 100 watts.
24 dia x 82 H inches - $3750.00 + Free Ground Delivery
Labels: Africa, lighting, New Arrivals, Pfeifer Finds
Buon Giorno Italia!
Our exclusive, handmade Kuba Cloth Pillows are featured in the latest edition of Marie Claire Maison Italia.
Labels: Africa, handicrafts, Pfeifer Finds, PIllows, Press
Our Kudu Horn Wall Sconce is a simple, elegant statement to accent any room, this beautiful Kudu horn light gently spirals down your wall according to its natural form and grace while blending with any color palette. Its unique and natural beauty will captivate your attention with every glance. Up to 75 watts.
14 x 9 x 34 H inches - $1039.00 + Free Ground Delivery
Labels: Africa, lighting
Kuba Cloth Pillows -19 x 19.5 inches + Free Delivery
When designers look for Kuba Cloth Pillows, they turn to Pfeifer Studio. These wonderful handmade textiles are a traditional craft from Africa, created using primitive techniques that have been employed for centuries. They get their name from the Kuba tribe of central Congo. The tribe' s women begin the process of creating the cloths by beating palm leaves so that the leaf will separate into fibers. The men then use a loom to weave the fibers. The process then goes back to the women who decorate the cloth. Sometimes they use a “u” stitch to create a carpet pile like texture as well as motifs. Other times they use appliqué methods to create patterns and motifs. Each cloth can take over a month to make.
Kuba Cloth Pillow -15 x 20.5 inches + Free Delivery
In the past the cloth was only made by the most important and wealthy men in the tribe. Their wives were the only women in the tribe who had enough spare time to embroider the cloth. Ordinary women were kept too busy with their work in the fields, cooking and raising their children. Thus the cloth became a symbol of wealth and status. When a major event occurred such as the induction of a new chief, the women of the tribe would sew many cloths together to make a royal robe. One popular village song describes how, a man was offered a Mercedes Benz car or a Kuba cloth by his mother. He chose the Kuba cloth after wisely noting that it would last longer.
Labels: Africa, Eco-Friendly, handicrafts, New Arrivals, Pfeifer Finds, PIllows, Product Preview
Our Kuba pillows are some of the most popular items on our website, so we thought that it was about time that we debuted a new variation on this popular style. Rust colored raffia is common in traditional cloths from the Kuba people and this new style highlights the shade beautifully.
At an ample 13 x 23 inches and priced at $199.00 + Free Delivery, we have a feeling that our latest pillow will take its place along side out other Kuba pillows as a best seller.
Labels: Africa, New Arrivals, Pfeifer Finds, PIllows, Product Preview
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Tuareg Leather Pillows are hard to find, but once in a while one comes our way. Our latest discovery features a unique, graphic geometric pattern on the face and intricate handwork throughout.
It is, of course, one-of-a-kind and hand-crafted by Tuareg nomads living in the Sahara Desert. This type of pillow is traditionally used for sitting or sleeping on the ground. It is made from hand-dyed goat skin and features hand-painted geometric patterns and leather fringe. Stop by our showroom to see it in person, or order it online with free delivery today.
Labels: Africa, handicrafts, leather, New Arrivals, New In Store, Pfeifer Finds, PIllows, Product Preview
We have once again added some great new vintage and one-of-a-find pieces from our showroom to our website for all to see. Have a look below and let us know if you have any questions about these featured pieces.
Hand carving wood has a long
tradition in Morocco and is most often found on screens and tables. Geometrics
are also a common motif and emerge on this table ($349 + Free Delivery) not only on the patterns, but
the octagonal shape. Learn more about this one-of-a-kind table here.
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Our one-of-a-kind Bozo Tribe Masks ($325 - $349 + Free Delivery) are handmade in Mali. They are probably about 20 years old and were originally attached to a pole and carried by a dancer in a regatta, much like a large marionette. Find them here and here.
The Bozo are primarily fishermen and have a wonderful creation story. Neighbors of the Dogon who reside on the shores of the Niger River, the Bozo are the 'first twins' according the tradition and worship Faro the spirit of water. The ram, valued throughout this region, was sacrificed for the first time by God to redeem the errors committed by Mousso Koroni, the 'ancient little woman.' An era of disorder, violence and sterility was followed by a period of prosperity, order and peace.
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Our Bamileke Tribe Masks ($235 each + Free Delivery) are handmade in Cameroon. They are carved from a solid piece of wood and depict a Monkey, which represents intelligence. The Bamileke believe that their kings possess supernatural powers allowing them to change into animals, most often elephants, lizards or buffalos. This crossing of the boundaries, which happens during special rituals, allows them to create a link between the human and spirit realm. Find them here and here.
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Our Fair Trade Wolof Prayer Mat baskets ($75 + Free Delivery) are incredibly useful for storage and also look striking when hung on the wall. Wolof women in rural Senegal have been crafting coil style baskets for generations. While traditional baskets were crafted using a local grass called njodax bound with strips of reed, modern baskets are bound with strips of plastic recycled from old prayer mats. Choose from White or Turquoise.
Labels: Africa, Eco-Friendly, End and Side Tables, Fair Trade, handicrafts, Middle East, New Arrivals, Pfeifer Finds
New in Store are these beautiful, fun, colorful and 100% handmade dog collars ($45 - $79) created by Maasai people in Kenya. Saba loved them so much that she asked for one of her own. And she never asks for anything!
Not only are they beautiful, they are also fair trade…and that goes a long way. The beading of these collars (and coordinating bracelets - $25) generates income for over 200 Kenyans who otherwise might earn as little as $1,500 a year. Other than the operating costs of the people in the US who are helping to bring their craft to market (one part time employee, marketing and air freight), all of the money goes back to Kenya. Good in so many ways.
So swing by Pfeifer Studio, get your pooch some style and feel good about it.
Labels: Africa, Color, Fiar Trade, gifts, handicrafts, New Arrivals, New In Store, Pfeifer Finds
It’s no secret that I’m a total fanatic of African objects. Their handmade masks and stools are my favorites, and I love sitting in a space surrounded by them pretending I am somewhere deep inside the Dark Continent. I’m so excited that we have discovered a few wonderful new African pieces to add to our collection. Most are vintage one-of-a-finds and our Hand Carved Ashanti Stool is a contemporary style, which is surely to become a favorite on the site for some time to come.
Our contemporary Ashanti Stool ($375.00 + Free Delivery) is hand carved by artisans from a single block of wood from the Cedrela tree. Like traditional stools, it has a crescent-shaped seat and flat base, but a simple central circle replaces the more typical Adinkra symbol in the middle.
Stools are spiritual and practical objects in the Ashanti culture of West Africa. They are understood to be the seat of the owner's soul and when not in use are leaned against a wall so that other souls passing by will not settle on it. Click here to learn more.
Our two new vintage Nupe Stools (above) are $279.00 + Free Delivery and $175.00 + Free Delivery, respectively. Most Nupe are Muslim and their art is therefore abstract, with only some stylized animals in relief on their doors and some pots. Their stools come in many forms yet are all carved from single blocks of wood. Amazingly, the grain of the wood runs horizontally, even across the legs. All share a richly carved top surface.
This vintage Punu mask ($175.00 + Free Delivery) from Gabon features many of the common characteristics from the region, including protruding lips. It is also painted in the traditional white with kaolin clay to represent the spirit of a dead ancestor. Click here to learn more about this One-Of-A-Kind piece now.
The Fang people used masks in their secret societies. Members of this male society wore the Ngil masks during the initiation of new members and the persecution of wrongdoers. Masqueraders, clad in raffia costumes and attended by helpers, would materialize in the village after dark, illuminated by flickering torchlight. Our
vintage Fang mask ($279.00 + Free Delivery) is enormous at 50 inches long and is a one-of-a-kind piece.
Click here to learn more about it.
Labels: Africa, Antiques, Art, gifts, handicrafts, home accessories, New Arrivals, Product Preview, Stools
We have just added a few new styles to our One-Of-A-Finds online, and as it may very well not surprise anyone who has been following us for a while, they are from Africa.
Vintage Mask From Gabon - $149.00 + Free Delivery
Our beautiful, hand-carved vintage masks from Gabon ($149 + Free Delivery) feature many of the common characteristics from the region, including arched eyebrows and a long and narrow shape. They are also painted in the traditional white with kaolin clay to represent the spirit of a dead ancestor. We have a few in stock and each is slightly different than the other. If you would like to see the actual mask that you will be receiving, please contact us at 1-866-804-1909.
our masks have the traditional white painted finish
Antique African Money - $85.00 + Free Delivery
Iron work had great value in African cultures. Beginning in the 18th century the availability of iron in sub-Saharan Africa increased and it eventually developed into a high end trading commodity. Objects created in iron are today known as African money and include such items as swords and bracelets. We currently have a few swords, each is slightly different than the other. As with the masks, please give us a call if you want to see the actual one you would be receiving, before placing your order online.
the iron swords were once attached to a wooded handle
Posted By: AJ (aj@pfeiferstudio.com)
Labels: Africa, Antiques, handicrafts, New Arrivals, New In Store, Pfeifer Finds
If you can’t make it to Albuquerque, then how about Brazil, Africa, Japan, Vietnam, Haiti, or even the Middle East? Pfeifer Studio runs across some pretty cool one-of-a-kind finds in our travels, and for the first time ever we are making a few of them available on our website. Of course you’ll still want to stop into the studio, since there are always one-of-a-kinds you just can’t shop for online.
Our one-of-a-kind collection is filled with vintage finds, because we love their uniqueness of course. But, according to treehugger.com they are also eco-friendly and "can be the most green" of all and "require no additional resources to manufacture, are pre-off gassed and ease the load on the landfill."
For a little Tribal Influence, check out our seriously interesting vintage masks. Whether a single mask or a grouping on the wall, they are rich in history, full of spirit, and the artistic details in the colors and carvings will make anyone take a second look.
Vintage Bambara Tribe Mask - $199 + Free Delivery
Vintage Bozo Tribe Mask - $125 + Free Delivery
For the kid inside, this Japanese Paper Kite is from the famous Hayashi family, who has been making kites in Tokyo since the Edo period. Completely handmade, it features hand painted wood block printing, and the packaging it comes in is just as fabulous.
Japanese Paper Kite - $99 + Free Delivery
Crazy about textiles and color, I adore the Vintage Hmong Textiles in addition to this very preppy-in-spirit Hmong Textile Bag. Created from part of a garment worn by Hmong women in Vietnam, it features cross-stitching and indigo block printing.
Vintage Hmong Fabric Bag - $79 + Free Delivery
Though I am definitely pining for the contemporary Handmade Ceramic Vase by Artist Mike McDowell next to Pfeifer’s Oval Leather Stool Table, I am completely drawn to the Vintage Stool from Cameroon.
Handmade Ceramic Vase - $279 + Free Delivery
Oval Leather Stool Table - $259 + Free Delivery
The Cameroon stool, carved from a solid tree trunk is estimated to be from the mid-20th Century. There are areas where cracks in the wood have been patched with what appears to be clay, and other areas where nails are used for support. But what intrigues me most about the stool is how it reminds me of crossed legs and hands intertwined together as a symbol of communal strength.
Vintage Stool From Cameroon - $129.00 + Free Delivery
Posted By: Angela (loftshoppe@gmail.com)
Labels: Africa, Antiques, Art, Asia, Eco-Friendly, End and Side Tables, gifts, handicrafts, leather tables, New Arrivals, New In Store, Pfeifer Finds, Product Preview, Stools
One of my favorite types of African Masks come from the Punu people who reside along the upper Ngoumie River in Gabon. The Punu are well known throughout Central Africa partly because the women are thought to be very beautiful. Traditionally, only Punu men were allowed to carve tribal masks and then only of Punu women. The masks that portray Punu women are so well liked that they can be found on currency that belongs to several Central African countries.
Punu Mask From GabonThe beautiful mask that we have just found exhibits all the features of the classic Punu style. She has the traditional high-domed hairstyle, diamond-shaped scarification marks on her forehead and eyes that display ‘Oriental’ characteristics. Her other common features are a pointed nose, protruding lips, arched eyebrows, narrow eyes and a closed mouth.
The elaborate Punu hairstyle, a coiffure with two side braids, suggest that the woman is wealthy as her hair has not been flattened by the need to carry goods. Our Punu mask is also painted white with kaolin clay to represent the spirit of a dead ancestor.
Scaring On The Forehead
Masks of this type were used to entertain audiences during festivals or celebrations. On rare occasions the masks are used during a ritual.
We are not sure of the exact age. Truly antique African masks of this style can easily sell for over $1000. We estimate ours to have been made within the past 30 years and have it priced at a very accessible $109. Stop by the shop to have a look for yourself or give us a call to learn more about it at 866-804-1909.
Posted By: AJ (aj@pfeiferstudio.com)
Labels: Africa, Antiques, handicrafts, New Arrivals, New In Store, Pfeifer Finds
These handcrafted vintage stools from Cameroon just landed in our showroom hot off an African trader's ship...well, the back of an African trader's van to be exact. They are both from Cameroon and have a bit of age on them. The larger style (13 diameter x 14 H inches - $199) appears to be at least 50 years old and has some interesting sections where the cracks were repaired with what looks like clay. We have not seen that before.
The smaller style ($59) measures in at an adorable 7.5 diameter x 8 H inches and is the perfect size to use as a little platform. Like the Bamileke Stool Table from our collection, they are carved from solid trunks of wood.
They are one-of-a-kind items and available only in our showroom. Stop by soon to see them for yourself or call us at 1-866-804-1909 if you are farther away and want to learn more.
Posted By: AJ (aj@pfeiferstudio.com)Labels: Africa, Antiques, Bamileke Stool, handicrafts, New Arrivals, New In Store, Pfeifer Finds, Stools
Recycled Metal Bicycles - $18 - In Store Only
We are always on the hunt for cool objects created from repurposed materials, like these adorable mini-bicycles handmade in Kenya from 100% recycled metal and rubber. The artisans who created these have an amazing eye for detail. We love the wrapped wire seat and handle bars. They even have working pedals and a kickstand.
These wonderful little items are only available in our shop, stop by soon to see them for yourself. We can also ship for those of you far and wide, call us at 1-866-804-1909 to learn more.-
Labels: Africa, Eco-Friendly, gifts, handicrafts, New Arrivals, New In Store, Pfeifer Finds
They think that "the difference between contemporary Kuba-style fabrics and the real thing is visible in the details" and we totally agree. That's why we can always recommend our natural handwoven raffia cloth pillows available exclusively through Pfeifer Studio.
Posted by: AJ (a@pfeiferstudio.com)
Labels: Africa, handicrafts, Pfeifer Finds, PIllows, Press
There’s nothing more magical than a dark room brilliantly lit by a selectively placed lamp or two or three…or an entire room filled with a hand-picked selection of wonderfully sized and shaped lamps.
Moroccan Ceramic Lamps $265 - $309 + Free Delivery
Just in to the shop and available online, you have to check out Pfeifer Studio’s new ultra sleek and bulbous black lamps from Morocco. From 17 - 25 inches tall, pair them together like a king and queen, or place them at different levels throughout the room on the fireplace mantle, sofa table, side table, a pile of stacked books in the corner, or a favorite chair.
Each lamp with its black ceramic base has a touch of metal for added class and sophistication, and the lamps are topped by a black linen shade contributing to the Moroccan mystique. For a little black magic, turn the main light off and flip the switch on these fabulous lamps. But be warned, because they might just put a spell on you!
Available in the studio or online, Pfeifer Studio also carries a distinctive collection of lamps from all around the globe.
Posted By: Angela (loftshoppe@gmail.com)Labels: Africa, handicrafts, lighting, New Arrivals, Pfeifer Finds, Product Preview
When Bridget Meyer was the first person from her tiny African village on the Zambesi River to receive a high school diploma, there was no question she would end up doing something great. After moving to the U.S. and eventually marrying Bob Meyer, the visiting American she met while living in Zambia, she wanted to keep in touch with her roots and introduce the U.S. to her wonderful African culture.
Bridget began to bring crafts from Africa to the United States. Starting with traditional Wedding Baskets, African clay vessels, and then Kuba Cloth Pillows, she brings fine African products that tell a story, to market. What started in Bridget and Bob’s Minneapolis apartment bedroom has now grown to a large warehouse in California and two warehouse sites in Zambia, where she offers work opportunities for clay artisans and approximately 400 weavers.
What’s unique about her artists is that they work from home, at their own pace, so they can earn a sustainable income and raise their families at the same time—living their preferred traditional way of life.
Bridget Meyer
Her African Wedding baskets get their name because they are traditionally given to a newlywed African bride as a wedding gift. Woven from the roots of the makenge bush, each basket takes over one month to weave and the quality of these baskets can only be attained by the most skillful and experienced weavers. 
African Wedding Baskets - $235 + Free Delivery
If you’ve been keeping up with our blogs, you know we also love her Kuba Cloth Pillows. Made from the finest cloths, women use natural vegetable dyes to color the cloth before they sew it together. The wear in the fibers and stitching is due to age and use, which is part of the natural beauty and value of the cloth.
Kuba Cloth Pillows - $199 + Free Delivery
Pfeifer Studio first saw Bridget's crafts almost 10 years ago. Not only did we fall in love with her passion for what she does, but with her beautiful handicrafts, which are available through the Pfeifer Studio website.
Bridget Meyer was recently awarded a Ruby Award through Soroptomist International for her efforts to help women and girls in Africa. Soropotimist International is a worldwide organization for women in management and professions, working through service projects to advance human rights and the status of women.
Posted By: Angela (loftshoppe@gmail.com)
Labels: Africa, designers and artists, handicrafts, PIllows
In case you didn’t notice, something in the Pfeifer Studio collection just got a makeover and we thought we’d clue you in with a little “Tribal” Pursuit.
Named after a friend who married a guy with a dad from Ghana…a best seller in the Pfeifer collection…a geometric work of art…just the right height for a book or extra seat…one of our favorite Pfeifer Exclusives…
It’s our Abaidoo Stool Table.
Abaidoo Stool Table - $359 + Free Delivery Now available in both Natural and now Ebony, for those of you who might not be familiar with the Abaidoo, we’re excited to make the reintroduction. Honoring our Tribal Influence trend and love of African art, this table is greatly inspired by primitive African shapes and forms. Whether resembling iron neck rings worn by African women or traditional wood carvings and sculpture, the Abaidoo Stool Table is made from solid Margosa, a non-toxic tropical hardwood from India. Uniquely shaped and dried, the table is protected with a clear lacquer topcoat and natural wax finish.
Woman Playing The Mandolin, Pablo Picasso (1909)
African art, known for its function and abstract geometric shapes and forms has played a significant social and religious role in the African culture. For centuries, collectors and artisans have been drawn to this art form because it is contemplative and exudes a strong presence. Early collectors found African art to be crude and primitive, but it eventually became part of the avant garde movement in Paris at the turn of the 20th century, having a direct impact on cubism with its use of planes and forms.
When most of us think of traditional African art, we consider masks, architectural elements and furniture, pottery, textiles, beadwork and woven goods. The Pfeifer Studio collection pulls from many different trends, but if you look closely you’ll see we have a particular love for geometric tables and wonderfully unique African artifacts.
Posted By: Angela (loftshoppe@gmail.com) Labels: Africa, End and Side Tables, Margosa Wood, modern design, New Arrivals, Pfeifer Trends, Stools
Punu Mask From Gabon
These handcrafted vintage stools from Cameroon just landed in our showroom hot off an African trader's ship...well, the back of an African trader's van to be exact. They are both from Cameroon and have a bit of age on them. The larger style (13 diameter x 14 H inches - $199) appears to be at least 50 years old and has some interesting sections where the cracks were repaired with what looks like clay. We have not seen that before. 
Recycled Metal Bicycles - $18 - In Store Only
These wonderful little items are only available in our shop, stop by soon to see them for yourself. We can also ship for those of you far and wide, call us at 1-866-804-1909 to learn more.
Woman Playing The Mandolin, Pablo Picasso (1909) 