Jiko II (Deep Sea) Rug by Kelechi Ejikeme for Swallo Studio

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Description

Additional product information:
jiko ii — "the confluence ii" — deep sea-
gbo collection by kelechi. E for swallo
production, … Read more Additional product information:
jiko ii — "the confluence ii" — deep sea-
gbo collection by kelechi. E for swallo
production, march 2025

about the piece
jiko ii, "the confluence ii" in the deep sea colourway, draws its pattern from the lively waterways of onitsha, where the niger and benue rivers converge along the banks of eastern nigeria's igboland. The design captures the rhythmic motion of trade boats and the bustling flow of commerce that has shaped the region for generations — each flowing line a story of connection, reflecting the currents that once carried goods and ideas through this historic hub.

the rug is produced by hand from 100% jute, a natural plant fibre chosen for its durability, tactile character, and sustainability. It is produced by specialist artisans in india and nepal, where jute weaving exists as a thriving and long-established craft tradition. The construction combines hand-stitching and braiding techniques, giving each piece a layered texture and quiet depth that rewards close attention.

about the gbo collection
jiko ii is part of gbo col. 1, a debut collection of collectible jute rugs by london studio swallo. The collection takes its name from a term of endearment for designer's late grandfather — a man with a passion for geography — and is a play on "igbo," the eastern nigerian region at the heart of this collection. Each rug in the series translates geographical lines, landscapes and regional landmarks of igboland into pattern, reintroducing jute as a deluxe grade material.

designer & studio
kelechi ejikeme is a nigerian born designer and the founder of swallo, a london based studio whose practice is rooted in the philosophies of migration, anthropology and shifting cultural landscapes. Drawing on the bird's-eye view as both a literal and conceptual lens, the studio explores how territories, cultures and ecologies transform as people and ideas move across them — translating these expansive perspectives into handcrafted textiles that function as documents of place and memory. Gbo col. 1 was shown at collectible design brussels, decorex london, and salon art + design new york, and was longlisted for the dezeen awards 2024 in the textile design category. Stamped by maker See less