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Welcome to Monkeybiz

Monkeybiz is a beacon of creativity and social upliftment project, based in the heart of Cape Town, South Africa. Founded in 2000, Monkeybiz is a non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing the traditional craft of beadwork while empowering women from under-resourced communities. Our mission is to create sustainable income opportunities and to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of South African art.

At Monkeybiz, we transform traditional beadwork into contemporary art pieces.

Each creation, whether it be a whimsical animal figure, a vibrant doll, or an intricate sculpture, is unique and handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail. Our beaded works are not only artistic masterpieces but also symbols of hope and empowerment.

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OUR IMPACT

Empowerment

Each piece is designed and made by beaders in their own patterns and colours, and although there is a standard range of animal types when each artist makes her own animal every piece becomes unique.
Some of the artists are more experimental and adventurous and therefore new animals and methods join the Monkeybiz range…

bigger than barbie

International Acclaim

International acclaim has followed. Known as folk art Monkeybiz pieces were snatched up by Sotherbys Contemporary Decorative arts for a sell-out exhibition in 2002. The vibrant dolls, animals and beaded pictures have enthralled shoppers and collectors in Conran Design.
Stores in New York, London, Paris and Tokyo. Donna Karan has sold Monkeybiz craft art in her New York store DKNY. You’ll also find these iconic pieces at ABC carpet and Home, a department store that sets trends not only as a New York institution but worldwide.
It was even the subject of a short documentary,BIGGER THAN BARBIE– a tongue-in-cheek title reflecting the ambitious nature of the project.