Jean Servais Somian

From his home and studio in Grand Bassam, furniture designer and sculptor, Jean Servais Somian draws inspiration from West Africa’s heritage and long-held tradition of wood carving. Somian’s preferred wood is coconut - a sustainable alternative to rainforest timber. He is fascinated by its contrasting characteristics of extreme hardness and fragility. To hone this challenging wood he uses custom-made tools from local blacksmiths achieving the elegant and sinuous furniture for which he has become known.