Magkabe Ottoman - Brown

By contemporary South African furniture brand The Urbanative. 

The Makgabe Ottoman takes inspiration from the traditional Makgabe skirt worn by Setswana girls before they transitioned into womanhood. It symbolized modesty but also cultural identity. reimagining its distinctive woven fringes into a contemporary design object. Like its counterpart, the Wambo Ottoman, the Makgabe Ottoman is fully upholstered with steel feet neatly tucked behind the fringe. Its soft cushioned seat offers comfort and practicality, while the cascading fringe becomes the statement feature.

The fringe references the Makgabe’s long, flowing strands of leather, which were historically softened, dyed, and wornaround the waist as a symbol of identity and cultural expression by Setswana girls. By amplifying texture through the use of layered fringe, the Makgabe Ottoman not only pays homage to Setswana tradition but also extends the dialogue of the African Crowns Collection—translating heritage,
adornment, and storytelling into bold, contemporary furniture.