The Instagram Account Celebrating Indigenous Crafts From Around The World
By Something CuratedInstagram account @mudimakes archives an eclectic edit of found artefacts and objects, from ancient relics and natural forms to indigenous crafts and contemporary artworks. Oscillating between traditional straw roofs built by Cameroon’s Kapsiki tribe and 17th century Korean ceramics, to colourful furniture by Judy Kensley Mckie and jewellery by Alexander Calder, @mudimakes celebrates the joy of creation and the handmade in diverse contexts and cultures. Bethan Smith, who is behind the project, tells Something Curated: “I’m visually drawn to primitive art, naive, timeless, uninhibited creations. Natural materials, organic shapes, spirals, faces…”
Expanding on how the project was born, Smith explains: “I started Mudi two years ago; it emerged at a time of big change. I decided to step away from my career in set design. I was searching for something more, and began delving into the ancient history of art and human culture, re-igniting my fascination for ritualistic art, tradition and craft as a way of life. During this time I decided to use Instagram as an outlet for all of this fascinating stuff I was stumbling across. I felt the need to share these images in the hope that they might spark joy in others too.”
Offering insight into her research process, she tells: “I usually spend time in museums and libraries, jotting things down and sketching pieces that interest me then Googling them later. When researching it might take hours before I come across something that really blows me away, an image or an object that evokes a sense of wonder and curiosity in me. It’s an amazing feeling to discover a truly unique thing!”
Sharing with Something Curated some of her favourite images collected over the years, Smith notes: “It’s hard to pick my favourites but here are a few: Mayan conch shell container in the form of a human hand; Inuit sculpture by Miki from Whale Cove – part of the Eskimo art collection of the Toronto Dominion Bank, 1967; dance ritual of the Kayapo tribe, Brazil, 1957; and one of my recent vessels made using the coil method from white stoneware clay, burnished then smoke fired.”
Alongside the captivating Instagram feed, Smith has recently launched a retail platform, Mudi, offering a unique collection of found and handmade objects available to purchase online. Smith explains: “I am always exploring markets and antique shops searching for unique objects made by mystery artisans and it felt natural to share these finds with people who follow Mudi. The shop is still in its early stages and I’m currently selling a mixture of found pieces and more recently pieces handmade by myself. Clay and paper are my favourite mediums to work with. I recently launched a small collection of paper cut editions and I will be releasing a trio of large ceramic vessels for sale online soon.”
She continues: “My mother is a ceramicist and continues to teach me her craft. My pieces are unglazed and smoke fired. Fire can create the most incredible surface markings. I love the ritualistic element of lighting a fire and watching it work its magic. Someday I’d love to show my handmade pieces alongside found objects, curated in a physical space, a shop or a showroom, creating a more tactile experience. It’s important for me to give back in a small way to the people and places that I draw inspiration from. 10% of each sale goes to environmental charities supporting indigenous communities and the planet.”
Feature image: Straw houses in front of the Mandara mountains. Kapsiki tribe, Cameroon / Images via @mudimakes