Here is a beautiful hand–carved Cape buffalo from Kenya, East Africa. This work of art was masterfully crafted from a single block of rich, black ebony wood and polished to a high sheen by an Akamba carver who lives in southern Kenya. The craftsman created this beautiful piece of folk art, using only simple hand tools of small axes, various-sized knives, files and sandpaper. We have personally selected this piece for its beautiful carved lines, realistically portrayed. The African Cape Buffalo should not be confused with Asia’s Water Buffalo. Despite their placid, cow-like appearance, the Cape buffalo is known for its viciousness. They are among the famous “Big 5” group, which are animals prized by hunters because they are so dangerous. Many hunters have told me that if a Cape buffalo is only wounded, it will circle around and stalk the hunter, waiting for an opportunity to charge the hunter and gore him with its sharp horns. With a horn span of over 40 inches and weighing over a ton, a mature buffalo can get up to a speed of 40 mph, although it is slow to accelerate. Cape Buffalo are claimed to be responsible for more human deaths in Africa than any other large animal. This buffalo carving stands approx. 3 inches tall and 5 inches long. |