OUR STORY

THREE SISTERS. ONE INHERITANCE. ONE HOUSE.

Originally from Congo-Brazzaville, Aline, Inès, and Marcelle Matsika founded TIMUNTU—a concept store celebrating African creativity, exceptional craftsmanship, and the art of living.

An unprecedented look at African creation

While African countries abound in artisanal know-how, few addresses pay homage to its contemporary revival and the talent of designers who twist it into everyday urban companion objects.

TIMUNTU embraces this aesthetic and brings it into the interiors of an international clientele, drawn to African objects with minimalist lines. Here there is no folklore, only delicate pieces that bear witness to the inventiveness of an entire continent: from West to North, from East to South.

Through a sharp curation (furniture, decoration, tableware, household linen, fashion), TIMUNTU unveils a selection of artisanal pieces and reveals exclusive brands or those with little presence in the West.

TIMUNTU is also a lively cultural space, animated by a bookstore and numerous events: exhibitions (painting, photography, sculpture), performances, readings, talks, etc. An invitation to revive the forgotten stories of the African continent.

FOUNDER & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Aline Matsika

An interior designer and architect, Aline infuses her vision of beauty into various spaces: from private residences to yachting and hotels. In 2019, she notably designed and created the Palacio Can Marques, a 5-star boutique hotel located in Mallorca. Her signature style combines distinctive furniture, noble materials, and meticulous finishes.

Founder of Concept Ethnic in the 1990s, she returns with TIMUNTU to her original essence — imagining, selecting, and showcasing the best of African design.

FOUNDER & EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Inès Matsika

A writer and creator of editorial concepts, Inès has been working for over 20 years with major houses — Louis Vuitton, Chaumet, Longchamp — to enhance their history through editorial content.

For TIMUNTU, she is responsible for brand and bookstore curation, programming artistic events, and supervising the platform.

FOUNDER & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Marcelle Matsika

Pharmacist, epidemiologist, and social entrepreneur, Marcelle has dedicated over twenty years to Africa with the World Bank and WHO. A yoga teacher and choreographer, she combines her expertise in health and well-being.

For TIMUNTU, she leads the strategy and deploys her solidarity-based approach with partner artisan communities.

OUR MANIFESTO

Timuntu is a word from Bantu languages. It means "I am because you are" — the interdependence between beings, driven by values of solidarity, love, and empathy. Principles passed down by their father Aimé Matsika, an anti-colonial activist and figure in Congo-Brazzaville's independence.

It is from this legacy that Aline, Inès, and Marcelle built a home in their image: welcoming, inspiring, and human. A place where African creativity is expressed without compromise.

Your cart is empty

Your selection

Estimated subtotal