Salù Iwadi Studio is a design studio that experiments with African tradition, and it does so with the new Zangbeto table, inspired by the traditional Voodoo guardians of the night from the Ogu or Egun people of Benin. More than just a piece of furniture, this design blends craftsmanship and symbolism to keep the cultural roots of West Africa alive while maintaining a contemporary aesthetic.

Handmade in Lagos, Nigeria, the table is carved from Iroko wood and is available in either a natural or ebonized finish. Its shape echoes the iconic conical silhouette of the raffia costumes worn by Zangbeto dancers, figures who serve as spiritual intermediaries in Ogu culture. The spirally arranged wooden slats evoke the spinning motion of the ritual dance, while the tabletop features engraved grooves that mimic the energy radiated by the performers during the ceremony. Additionally, the spaces between the slats allow for books to be inserted, transforming the table into a decorative mini-library.

Beyond its practical function, the Zangbeto table serves as a storytelling vehicle and a piece of functional art. Its design does not merely reinterpret the aesthetics of the masquerade but captures its very essence, conveying a sense of cyclicality and connection between the material and spiritual worlds. The Zangbeto is more than just a design object—it is a bridge between past and present, between tradition and innovation.