Maison Numen offers a host of Latin American craft online

New online platform Maison Numen launches with a collection of traditional Latin American craft. Pictured left: 'Estoperoles' plant pots, by Aurea, from Mexico. Right: 'Wood Pot', by Aurea, from Mexico

(Image credit: press)

By Sujata Burman

last updated 28 October 2022

in News

These days, folks are becoming more interested in the authenticity of their design – always intrigued by the craftsman behind the cutlery or the artisan responsible for the intricate weave on their rug. New online shop Maison Numen is going even deeper, capturing the stories of design from hidden spots in often undiscovered areas of the design world.

The brand's first project explores Latin America. From craftsmen in the outlying Venezuelan section of the Andes to colonial Mexican pockets, Maison Numen is sharing these native talents in a first collection titled 'Latin Animae Vol 1'.

The inaugural range includes textiles, woodwork and ceramics, all from Peru, Guatemala, Venezuela, Mexico or Colombia. The one thing they have in common: they are all hand crafted in their home regions, transposing their cultural characteristics on the unique works of art.

Having travelled themselves in collecting the designs, founders Jessica Macias and Ana Caufman strive to share the special culture of their featured makers, telling us of the difficulty they had traversing these locations. The Amazon river in Venezuela, for instance: ‘It's is all dried up right now,’ says Bader Gonzalez, Numen’s marketing director, ‘so you cant even get to it at the moment’.

Ordered into the themes of ‘Atlas’, ‘Story’ or ‘Materials’ on Maison Numen's website, each piece has a personality and character that relates to where they derive from. There is slight quirk in the Talavera technique and katalox wood that can only be found in Mexico, and a sense of meekness in the organic ‘Wii’ baskets created in the Amazonian rainforest by its female aboriginal inhabitants.

While a lot of these pieces remain traditional in style, a contemporary look is evident in the clean creamy ceramics made from Jiutepec clay, from Morelos, Mexico. The designers have rejuvenated the tropical material and transformed it into modern, minimalist design pieces.

‘We have grown with them,’ states Macias when we asked her which design was her favourite, ‘they are our babies!’ Maison Numen is launching a second collection, 'Latin Animae Vol 2', in September.

blue sculpture on table with cabinets — The collection, titled ’Latin Animae Vol 1’, comprises myriad wares from five countries. The one thing they have in common: they are all hand crafted in their home regions, transposing their cultural characteristics on the unique works of art

’Margarita Pendant Lamp’ and handmade rug — The inaugural range includes textiles, woodwork, and ceramics, all from Peru, Guatemala, Venezuela, Mexico or Colombia. Pictured left: ’Margarita Pendant Lamp’, by Studio David Pompa, from Mexico. Right: handmade rug, by The Mayan Store, from Guatemala

wood playing card box and ’Talavera Combo’ ceramics — Ordered into the themes of ‘Atlas’, ‘Story’ or ‘Materials’ on Maison Numen’s website, each piece has a personality and character that relates to where they derive from. Pictured left: wood playing card box, by Taller Quigua, from Venezuela. Right: ’Talavera Combo’ ceramics, by Ana Gómez, from Mexico

ceramics piece — These clean creamy ceramics made from Jiutepec clay – from Morelos, Mexico – evoke a more contemporary style. The designer, Luis Vega, has rejuvenated the tropical material to create a modern minimalist design piece

‘We have grown with them,’ states Maison Numen’s Jessica Macias when we asked her which design was her favourite, ‘they are our babies!’ Pictured: salad serving set, by Onora, from Mexico

round dining table — Maison Numen are launching ’Latin Animae Vol 2’ in September, and then hope to travel the world finding more international treasures thereafter

INFORMATION

For more information, visit the Maison Numen website

Sujata Burman is a writer and editor based in London, specialising in design and culture. She was Digital Design Editor at Wallpaper* before moving to her current role of Head of Content at London Design Festival and London Design Biennale where she is expanding the content offering of the showcases. Over the past decade, Sujata has written for global design and culture publications, and has been a speaker, moderator and judge for institutions and brands including RIBA, D&AD, Design Museum and Design Miami/. In 2019, she co-authored her first book, An Opinionated Guide to London Architecture, published by Hoxton Mini Press, which was driven by her aim to make the fields of design and architecture accessible to wider audiences.