Communion

Project Info

Created from black-stained maple, the Communion table celebrates the act of making the West African staple dish fufu and reimagines the process as a shared performance.

Designed for the preparation and serving of fufu, which is made by pounding cassava and plantain, the communal table features an outer workstation, equipped with Womas (pestles), Woduros (mortars) and textured bowls, surrounding a central table for shared dining.

A combination of wood working techniques was used to craft the components for the table. CNC machining was used to create the intricate textural patterns that define the table’s surface, while the large Woduros were created using alternating layers of laminated segments adding mass and form to the object.

A staved top section created from 24 pieces allowed for the deep, hollow Woduro form. Both sections were then expertly lathe-turned independently and seamlessly brought together as one using a large and hidden mortise and tenon joint. As well as achieving the volumes required, these methods perfectly highlight the hard maple grain structures, showcasing both end and face grains in delicate harmony.