1 5

Welcome to Monkeybiz

Monkeybiz is a beacon of creativity and social upliftment project, based in the heart of Cape Town, South Africa. Founded in 2000, Monkeybiz is a non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing the traditional craft of beadwork while empowering women from under-resourced communities. Our mission is to create sustainable income opportunities and to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of South African art.

New Arrivals

View all

Handcrafted Beaded Animals & African Beaded Art from Cape Town

Our collection of South African beaded animals and contemporary African beaded art is handcrafted by skilled women artists in Cape Town. From collectible animal sculptures to decorative beaded artworks, every piece is one-of-a-kind and tells a story of creativity, heritage, and empowerment.

Handcrafted beaded animal sculptures including zebra, giraffe, dog and wildlife figures, made in South Africa

Animals

Animals

Décor

Décor

Décor

Collectibles

Collectibles

Collectibles

At Monkeybiz, we transform traditional beadwork into "one-of-one" contemporary art pieces.

Handcrafted South African beaded animals by Monkeybiz, one-of-a-kind collectible beaded art

Collectable Art

Each creation, whether it be a whimsical animal figure, a vibrant doll, or an intricate sculpture, is unique and handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail. Our beaded works are not only artistic masterpieces but also symbols of hope and empowerment.

Explore Our Collection
Monkeybiz artists creating South African beaded art and handcrafted beaded animals in Cape Town

OUR IMPACT

Empowerment

Each piece is designed and made by beaders in their own patterns and colours, and although there is a standard range of animal types when each artist makes her own animal every piece becomes unique.
Some of the artists are more experimental and adventurous and therefore new animals and methods join the Monkeybiz range…

Explore Our Artists
South African beaded doll artwork by Monkeybiz, handcrafted folk art from Cape Town

bigger than barbie

International Acclaim

International acclaim has followed. Known as folk art Monkeybiz pieces were snatched up by Sotherbys Contemporary Decorative arts for a sell-out exhibition in 2002. The vibrant dolls, animals and beaded pictures have enthralled shoppers and collectors in Conran Design.
Stores in New York, London, Paris and Tokyo. Donna Karan has sold Monkeybiz craft art in her New York store DKNY. You’ll also find these iconic pieces at ABC carpet and Home, a department store that sets trends not only as a New York institution but worldwide.
It was even the subject of a short documentary,BIGGER THAN BARBIE– a tongue-in-cheek title reflecting the ambitious nature of the project.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Monkeybiz & Our Beaded Art

What is Monkeybiz known for?

Monkeybiz is known for handcrafted South African beaded art and beaded animals created by women artists in Cape Town.

Where is Monkeybiz based?

Monkeybiz is a non-profit organisation based in Cape Town, South Africa, working with artists from under-resourced communities.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, Monkeybiz ships both within South Africa and internationally.

Are all Monkeybiz artworks handmade?

Yes. Every Monkeybiz piece is entirely handmade using traditional beadwork techniques. Each artwork is created by an individual artist, making every beaded animal or art piece truly one-of-a-kind.

Who creates the Monkeybiz beaded art?

Monkeybiz artworks are created by women artists from under-resourced communities in and around Cape Town. Through beadwork, our artists earn sustainable incomes while preserving South African cultural heritage.