Monkeybiz is a South African non-profit dedicated to preserving traditional bead art while creating sustainable income for women in Cape Town communities. Our collective of talented artisans transforms African beads into intricate sculptures, animals, dolls and contemporary beadwork creations that are recognised worldwide.

Each artist brings her own story, style and interpretation to the craft, resulting in truly unique beaded creations. From bold animal figures to detailed decorative pieces, every artwork reflects both cultural heritage and individual creativity.

Explore the artists below to learn more about their work, their inspiration and the bead art techniques they specialise in.

Artists

Maphuza Dambuza

Maphuza Dambuza is a 76-year-old grandmother who has been part of the Monkeybiz family for since 2000 as a COLLECTIBLE bead artist. She was taught to bead by the late...

Maphuza Dambuza

Maphuza Dambuza is a 76-year-old grandmother who has been part of the Monkeybiz family for since 2000 as a COLLECTIBLE bead artist. She was taught to bead by the late...

Phumla Lempuku

Phumla Lempuku, 34 years old, has been beading with Monkeybiz since 2005. She learned the art of beading from her mother, Noiz Lempuku. Originally from Gatyana in the Eastern Cape,...

Phumla Lempuku

Phumla Lempuku, 34 years old, has been beading with Monkeybiz since 2005. She learned the art of beading from her mother, Noiz Lempuku. Originally from Gatyana in the Eastern Cape,...

Zisiwe Lumkwana

Zisiwe Lumkwana is a 61-year-old mother and grandmother who has been with Monkeybiz since 2005 as a COLLECTIBLE bead artist. She is a self-taught beader, originally from Tsomo in the...

Zisiwe Lumkwana

Zisiwe Lumkwana is a 61-year-old mother and grandmother who has been with Monkeybiz since 2005 as a COLLECTIBLE bead artist. She is a self-taught beader, originally from Tsomo in the...

Lumka Duma

Lumka Duma is a 47 year-old mother who has been with Monkeybiz since 2015. Originally from Cradock, Hofmeyr, she now resides in Samora Machel, Cape Town. She loves to bead...

Lumka Duma

Lumka Duma is a 47 year-old mother who has been with Monkeybiz since 2015. Originally from Cradock, Hofmeyr, she now resides in Samora Machel, Cape Town. She loves to bead...

Zoleka Mhlaka

My mother taught me how to do beading when we started Monkeybiz.

Zoleka Mhlaka

My mother taught me how to do beading when we started Monkeybiz.

Phumla Mramba

Born 1973, Eastern Cape, South Africa Phumla has been beading for 19 years. She has 2 children, 1 son and 1 daughter. She loves being creative and coming up...

Phumla Mramba

Born 1973, Eastern Cape, South Africa Phumla has been beading for 19 years. She has 2 children, 1 son and 1 daughter. She loves being creative and coming up...

What Makes Monkeybiz Bead Art Unique?

Monkeybiz bead art is more than decoration, it is a powerful combination of heritage, craftsmanship and social impact. Each piece is handmade using thousands of carefully placed African beads, often taking days to complete.

Unlike mass-produced items, no two artworks are ever identical. This makes every sculpture, doll or animal a one-of-a-kind collectible.

Our artists are trained and supported through the Monkeybiz programme, ensuring fair income, skills development and long-term empowerment.

Types of Bead Art You’ll Discover

Using traditional techniques and contemporary creativity, our artists create a wide range of bead artwork styles, including:

Beaded animal sculptures inspired by African wildlife
Decorative bead art for home décor
Collectible dolls and figurines
Contemporary and abstract beaded creations

These different types of beads and techniques allow each artist to express their individuality while staying rooted in African beadwork traditions.

Why Bead Art Is So Popular Worldwide

Bead art has become increasingly popular due to its combination of craftsmanship, storytelling and cultural value. Collectors and designers appreciate the intricate detail and time involved in creating each piece.

African beads in particular are known for their vibrant colours, symbolism and historical significance. Monkeybiz artists continue this legacy while introducing new, modern interpretations of bead artwork.

Shop All Beaded Artwork

Frequently Asked Questions

What is bead art?

Bead art is a form of handmade artwork created by arranging and weaving beads into decorative or sculptural designs.

What are African beads used for?

African beads are used in traditional jewellery, cultural expression and decorative artwork such as sculptures and figurines.

Are Monkeybiz products handmade?

Yes, every Monkeybiz piece is handmade by skilled South African artists using traditional beadwork techniques.

What types of bead art does Monkeybiz create?

Monkeybiz artists create animal sculptures, dolls, decorative pieces and contemporary beaded creations.

Why is bead art valuable?

Bead art is valuable because it is handmade, time-intensive and often represents cultural heritage and individual artistic expression.

Can I buy directly from the artists?

When you purchase from Monkeybiz, you are directly supporting the artist who created the piece and their community.