ISIBO by Arkivio Wins at the 2026 Africa Design Awards

A circle of brass, a beautifully shaped piece of oak and a string of colourful beads might seem like an unusual combination for a pendant light. But in the hands of Durban-based designer Paul Rabinowitz, these simple elements come together to create something rather special. Meet ISIBO, the sculptural pendant light from Arkivio. This pendant has just won the Furniture & Lighting category at the 2026 Africa International Design Awards (AIDA).

Inspired by the traditional African form of a circle bound with leather cord, ISIBO brings a contemporary perspective to a familiar shape. A solid brass ring holds the light source. This creates a warm, continuous glow that recalls the soft light of a low-hanging sun. Above it, a precision-machined solid oak loop provides structure, while a decorative beaded suspension introduces colour, texture and a distinctly African character.

It’s a lovely balance of materials, with the warmth of timber and brass sitting alongside the playful detail of the glass beads. The Arkivio team describes the design as “jewellery for the space”, and it’s easy to see why. Even when the light is switched off, the pendant has the presence of a sculptural object.

But there’s more to ISIBO than its beautiful appearance…

Behind the seemingly simple design is some clever engineering. The beaded suspension, for example, isn’t purely decorative. It also conceals the electrical wiring, allowing the beads to remain a prominent feature without visible cables interrupting the design.

A specially developed 3D-printed component connects the oak structure to the brass ring, ensuring the different elements sit in perfect alignment. Inside the brass ring, a custom-engineered LED system produces a continuous 360-degree glow, combining the warmth of traditional lighting with the efficiency of modern technology.

Everything is produced in Arkivio’s own workshops, where traditional craftsmanship works alongside contemporary manufacturing techniques.

Longevity is central to the design process…

Rather than incorporating a light source that would require replacing the entire fitting when it eventually fails, Arkivio has developed a modular LED strip housed within a durable silicone tube. The component can be replaced. This makes the pendant easier to repair and helps to reduce electronic waste.

It’s part of the company’s commitment to creating pieces built to last. Local manufacturing and sourcing through South African suppliers also help keep production close to home, supporting local businesses and reducing the need for international shipping.

A piece that tells a tale…

Perhaps the most interesting detail, however, is the story behind the beads. Each suspension is strung by women artisans from the surrounding community. The initiative creates opportunities for local craftspeople while keeping traditional skills part of a contemporary design process.

Arkivio also emphasises developing the skills of its young local manufacturing team, bringing together technical expertise, craftsmanship, and design while creating opportunities for professional growth and better earning potential.

For Rabinowitz and the Arkivio team, ISIBO represents a way of working that celebrates African design without being limited by traditional interpretations. It combines familiar cultural references with modern materials, precise engineering, and a production approach that considers both people and the environment.

A worthy recipient…

Its recognition at the 2026 Africa International Design Awards is a wonderful acknowledgement of that thinking. Furthermore, it highlights the creativity and innovation emerging from South Africa’s design community.

And while ISIBO makes a beautiful addition to an interior, its appeal goes well beyond the light it casts. From the handcrafted beads to the replaceable LED system, every detail has a purpose. This makes it a striking example of how contemporary African design can bring together heritage, technology and craftsmanship in one beautifully resolved piece.

Contact Arkivio for more.