About Us

Monkeybiz: Reviving Tradition with Modern Aesthetics

Founded in 2000 by South African ceramicists and art collectors Barbara Jackson and Shirley Fintz, Monkeybiz began with a unique beaded doll created by Mathapelo Ngaka-Mtati and her mother, Makatiso. This innovative project quickly grew, empowering over 450 beaders from the rural townships of Cape Town.

Today, Monkeybiz is a sustainable non-profit, celebrated for retaining its creative essence while revitalizing the art of beading.

The Timeless Art of Beading: A Modern Revival

Beads have historically adorned the body and served as valuable items in rituals and economic exchanges. In African traditions, beaded jewellery is treasured for its spiritual significance. Colours carry specific meanings, with pink beads symbolizing poverty and economic caution in romantic contexts.

Beading is also integral to the training of Sangomas (traditional healers), marking different phases of initiation. As society modernizes and urbanizes, many traditional beading practices have faded. However, a revival is underway.

We help people to help themselves

Elevating Possibilities

“The women bead at home and can look after their children while getting on with their other duties” says Mathapelo “they have no transport or raw material costs as we bring the beads and cotton to them. Beading lifts their spirits; they share in a sense of achievement. Personally, I too feel happy. I’m from a poor family but at a material level things are much better now. There’s bread on everyone’s table.”“Monkeybiz has given me a face”– Mankosi Modise

COMMUNITY LEADERS & TEACHERS    

Our Artists

Products were simple in design and execution, the potential of the beaders was self-evident. Four People –Mathapelo, Makatiso, Beauty and Phumla– have played and continue to play, a critical role in this upliftment process.
Mathapelo, the projects community coordinator and communications kingpin is a vital link between the Monkeybiz studio and the artists in the townships…

“Our Product is the secret to conquering the market. It’s such an honest product” says Barbara. “Whether it’s a small angel or large animal, it’s a beautiful artwork, lovingly made. We’ve created a market that operates on the principle of “if you like it, you’ve got to buy it, You’re not going to get a second chance, because it’s an authentic, once-off work of art. Even our price tags tell a story. On the reverse of every tag the artists sign their names”.

– Barbara Jackson