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…

Archbishop Desmond Tutu on Monkeybiz

“A project such as Monkeybiz addresses a very deep human need, in that it helps people to help themselves”

"The colourful Monkeybiz beaded artworks are a source of joy and inspiration. They bring beauty and playfulness into our lives and represent the innate creativity of Africa and its people."

“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

The Story Behind Monkeybiz Beaded Art

Monkeybiz is more than an art collective; it is a creative movement dedicated to preserving and celebrating South African beadwork traditions while creating meaningful economic opportunities for women artists. Founded in Cape Town in 2000, the project began with a single beaded doll and quickly evolved into a globally recognised platform for contemporary African beadwork art.

Today, Monkeybiz supports hundreds of talented bead artists who produce vibrant sculptures, dolls, animals, and decorative artworks entirely by hand. Each piece reflects the personality and imagination of its creator, making every artwork a truly one-of-one beaded creation.

A Living Tradition of African Beadwork

Beadwork holds deep cultural significance across many Southern African communities. Historically, bead patterns and colours were used to communicate messages, represent identity, and mark important life stages. In regions such as the Xhosa, Zulu, and Ndebele cultures, beadwork has long been passed down through generations of women.

Monkeybiz helps ensure this tradition continues in a modern context. Artists reinterpret these techniques into contemporary African beaded sculptures and artworks, blending heritage with bold artistic expression.

Handcrafted Beaded Art from Cape Town

Every Monkeybiz artwork is handmade by women artists based in communities across South Africa. The artists work from home using glass beads and wire structures to build intricate sculptures and decorative objects.

Because each artist designs her own colour combinations, patterns, and shapes, no two pieces are ever identical. This individuality makes Monkeybiz creations highly collectible examples of handmade beaded art from South Africa.

Art That Creates Real Impact

Purchasing Monkeybiz artwork supports more than creativity; it contributes directly to economic empowerment and community development. As a non-profit organisation, Monkeybiz reinvests revenue into artist support programs, income opportunities, and community initiatives.

Each sculpture or decorative piece therefore carries a deeper story: one of cultural preservation, artistic expression, and sustainable empowerment through craft.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What makes Monkeybiz South African beaded art unique?

    Monkeybiz artworks are entirely handmade by individual artists in communities across South Africa. Each artist chooses her own colours, patterns, and design approach, meaning every piece of beaded art is unique and cannot be exactly replicated.

  • Who creates the Monkeybiz beadwork?

    Monkeybiz beadwork is created by women artists from communities across South Africa. The organisation provides materials and support, allowing artists to create handcrafted beadwork while earning sustainable income.

  • What materials are used in Monkeybiz beaded art?

    Most Monkeybiz pieces are constructed using colourful glass beads stitched over wire frameworks. This technique allows artists to build detailed sculptures and decorative artworks with intricate textures and vibrant patterns.

  • Why is beadwork important in South African culture?

    Beadwork has deep cultural roots in many Southern African communities. Traditionally, beads were used to communicate messages, represent identity, and mark important social milestones. Monkeybiz keeps these traditions alive through contemporary artistic interpretations.