Here is a beautiful carving of a male antelope from Tanzania in East Africa. This work of art was masterfully hand-crafted from a single block of rich mahogany wood by a masterful carver. We have personally selected this piece for its beautiful carved lines and the rich grain in the polished wood. Looking over the savannahs of Africa, you will often see the antelope in just this pose, with his head turned as he checks for danger. The herds are enchanting to watch, and are indeed one of the leading attractions which draw tourists to Africa. This piece has been stained dark brown/black by the artist using dyes from natural elements and coconut oil. In rough woodsheds and under the shade of the mango trees, African wood carvers work in a craft-cooperative, surrounded with sounds of chipping and sanding, men’s voices and laughter, occasional singing and the spicy, tangy smell of exotic woods. Here the craftsmen reduce single pieces of wood into useful and beautiful pieces of folk art, using only simple hand tools of axes, various-sized knives, files and sandpaper. The Akamba and Mapingo people are famous all over the world for their unique wood carving skills, which are passed from generation to generation. I have met Akamba men who were 5th generation wood carvers. This exquisite carving is 8 inches tall x 4 inches long. |