Exploring South African Indian Identity Through Design – Africa.com
South Africa is home to a vibrant Indian community with a rich cultural mix, and Durban is the center of Indian heritage. Designer Shaakira Jassat grew up in a South African Muslim family with Indian roots, and she embodies this fusion in her Familiar Forms tableware collection. Inspired by her ancestors, indentured laborers and immigrants from colonial India, the collection blends Indian traditions with African influences. Handcrafted red clay pieces recall African soil, while copper accents and Islamic dining traditions emphasize modesty. The bowl pays homage to the South African potjie pot, a nod to shared outdoor cooking practices. Jassat’s designs reflect cultural resilience, blending tradition with local adaptation.
source: design indaba
