About Us
Tashi Shaikh, in her life with her husband, an International banker, across the Americas, Europe and Asia had indulged her creative talents using materials she found wherever she lived. Rehana Fazli, who, with her diplomat husband, lived in several countries in a thirty five year career, also indulged in her creative interests. When Tashi and Rehana met in Nigeria they were inspired to combine the beads of West Africa with beads and pieces of gilt jewelry from Afghanistan and India to create sculpture for coffee tables.
Process:
The creation of a Taazli takes up to five days of designing, ‘balancing’ colours, shapes and materials used. The beads are then intricately strung together, using nylon fishing line. On average, the length of a Taazli varies between 60cm and 75cm and the weight between 1kg and 1½ kg. The cost of a Taazli ranges from $500 to $1,000 US Dollars, depending on the size and materials used. Each Taazli is unique in character and cannot be 'replicated' as such. General guidelines for what materials you would like in your Taazli can be discussed. Commissions and orders for individual pieces can be taken, fill out the contact form for further information.
Materials Used:
The beads and metal ‘pendants’ and ‘charms’ used in the Taazlis come from many parts of the world.
- A variety of trade beads - West Africa, originally from Venice
- Glass beads – Ghana , Nigeria and Bohemia
- Kitengela glass beads – Kenya
- Kazuri ceramic beads – Kenya
- Clay beads – Nigeria
- Agate – India
- Bauxite – Ghana
- Bone – Kenya , India , Pakistan
- Amber and Bakelite - Afghanistan
- Bronze and Brass – Ivory Coast , Nigeria
- Silver - Pakistan
- Silver Gilt studded with coloured glass and beads -Afghanistan
- Nickel – India
