Rwandan Striped Braided Raffia Lamp Shade

Black bands sharpen the natural texture of braided raffia

Thick rows of braided raffia form the cylindrical body of this Rwandan lampshade, creating a richly textured surface in the fiber’s natural golden color. Three narrow black bands wrap around the upper edge, bringing crisp definition to the organic weave without overwhelming it.

At 16 inches wide, the shade has enough scale to anchor a dining table, kitchen island, bedroom, or reading corner. Light filters through the braided surface and remains open beneath the wide drum-shaped form, creating a balance of softened illumination and practical downward light.

Handcrafted in Rwanda

Women Artisan Partners: The shade is handmade by women artisans in Rwanda in partnership with Indego Africa.
Generational Craft Knowledge: The braiding draws on fiber-working skills passed through generations and adapted here to a contemporary lighting form.
Artisan Education: Indego Africa invests in education and professional-development programs intended to help artisan partners build skills and strengthen their economic independence.
Naturally Sourced Raffia: The plant fiber retains its tactile surface and varied golden coloring throughout the finished shade.

Braided for Light and Texture

Cylindrical Profile: Straight sides and a wide opening give the shade a clean drum silhouette that suits both contemporary and collected interiors.
Black Striped Detail: Three contrasting bands define the upper portion and introduce a simple graphic element to the natural fiber.
Open Braided Surface: Small spaces within the weave allow light to filter through the raffia and reveal its changing texture.
Handmade Variation: Slight changes in shape, diameter, color, and braid are expected and distinguish each shade.

Placement

Over a Dining Table: The 16-inch width gives the shade definition above a smaller round or rectangular table.
Kitchen Island: Hang individually or use several in sequence, depending on the length of the island and available electrical fittings.
Bedroom Lighting: Natural raffia softens the appearance of overhead lighting while the black bands add contrast.
Reading Corner: Suspend above a side table or chair to introduce warm fiber and focused downward light.

Product Details

Material: Naturally sourced braided raffia
Color: Natural raffia with black stripes
Shape: Cylindrical drum shade
Width: Approximately 16 in
Height: Approximately 10 in
Opening: Approximately 1 in
Origin: Handmade in Rwanda
Maker: Indego Africa artisan partners
Includes: Raffia lampshade only
Not Included: Cable, ceiling hardware, socket, bulb, and other electrical components
Installation: Use with a compatible hanging light fixture sized for the one-inch opening
Variation: Slight differences in size, shape, braid, and color are natural characteristics of the handcrafted process

Ideal For

• Adding natural texture above a dining table
• Bringing contrast to a light, neutral kitchen
• Softening the appearance of an overhead fixture
• Pairing raffia with wood, linen, leather, or black metal
• Introducing Rwandan fiber craft through a practical household form

With its substantial raffia braid and narrow bands of black, this handcrafted shade turns a straightforward drum silhouette into a warm, textural source of light.