Makila Nsika
Makila Nsika is a jewellery designer deeply connected to the artistic traditions of the Republic of Congo. With a Master’s in French Literature from Sorbonne and an MA in Design from Central Saint Martins, she explores the intersection of storytelling, material innovation, and contemporary luxury. In 2020, she founded M.Kala, reinterpreting Congolese craftsmanship through modern design. Her work has been multi-awarded. Through M.Kala, Makila Nsika’s research-driven practice explores the convergence of traditional and modern techniques with contemporary aesthetics, contributing to the broader discourse on craft preservation.
As an almost unseen yet omnipresent element of modern times, the palm nut underpins a variety of global industries across the globe. In the Republic of Congo, its kernel is a food waste. Palms is a jewellery collection that introduces, as a valuable creative medium the palm nut, celebrating its inherent versatility. The collection celebrates the dark woody beauty of the kernel, using recycled precious metals to elevate it to its true worth. Each piece blends artisanship with cutting-edge technology and weaves together symbols from the modern west with those of the ancient Kongo kingdoms.
Project Gallery
