Composed of two simple interlocking wooden forms, the palabre chair is an iconic object throughout Africa. Traditionally used for community meetings and discussions, it embodies a place for listening and sharing. In this version by Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance, the wood is replaced by bronze, which freezes and enhances the form while simplifying its lines.
First, a miniature model was sculpted in wax by Noé, then sent in a plastic box full of water on a bus to prevent it from deforming. The first Palabre chair was made by Salfo Derme in Koudougou, a town 100km from Ouagadougou. The chair is cast in 2 parts, then assembled, as is traditionally the case with wood, before being welded. Due to the security situation in Burkina Faso, the chair was put on a bus each time Ambre came to Ouagadougou to follow the welding and finishing touches. It took us almost a year to complete the first piece.
