Debe: A Container for Material Culture

The container (debe) for the practice of a designer is more often than not that of a profit seeking entity. With the priority of their work being to create desire in the hearts of consumers that would lead them to purchase their creations.

What might occur if we changed the container into which we place the designer?

In this exhibition, object storyteller Adam Yawe places his work in the container of the museum and meditates on the idea of design objects whose purpose is not to be bought and sold, but to hold memory and trigger conversation.

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This exhibition took place from the 8th of June to the 8th of July 2025

Special thanks to Museum Curatorial Team:

Lydia Galavu - Lead Curator

Eunice Nthoki - Marketing Officer

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Gilbert Ouma - Exhibition Designer

Leah - Collections Manager
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and Gallery Custodians:

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Nicholas Githinji

Arthur Mayogi

Flavian Masai

Eugene Lukase

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Photographs courtesy of Ian Gichohi

This work was supported by a grant from the @princeclausfund

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Nyatiti from Museum collection (left). Alongside Nyadebe, the Nyatiti inspired musical instrument designed by Adam Yawe

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Kanjũ clamp crossbody bag presentation featuring patterns and 3D mockup (left), 10 final bags. 1 prototype and a found kiondo with 3 "spike" straps (centre). A vehicle clamp found on the museum grounds (centre in glass) and display of custom brass buckles designed for the bag alongside sand moulds used to cast them. (right in glass)

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Sahunyala presentation featuring wooden lasts and 2D patterns (left). Final pieces used to assemble the Sahunyala shoe alongside offcuts from the process. (right)

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Sahunyala. (brown with black straps) alongside initial prototype, split toe, stitchdown constructed, chukka boot.

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Pasua Plate presentation (left), Makanga death drag ring presentation (centre), Ma-Kanga fabric presentation (right).

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Mtaro Stool (right) alongside Pokot Nacahrr, headrest and stool from Museum collection (left)

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Mtaro stools

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Pararira Musical Instrument infront of Ma-Kanga fabric.