This item is a set of hand crafted, Ebony Masai warrior (called a moran’ in Maa language) and his wife, both in traditional dress. These are not the typical open market, mass produced items sold to tourists. This exceptionally fine, detailed carving displays the warrior’s senior rank in his dress and marriage. He is holding a (removable) spear and shield, spear ready to protect his family from the wild animals, which are prevalent on the savannahs of Africa. The woman is holding a calabash that holds food specially prepared for traveling long distances: a mixture of milk and blood, which has fermented into yogurt. The carver definitely captured the majestic pride and independence of these resilient warrior people of the African plain. With a reputation as fierce warriors and an arrogant demeanor, the Masai have largely managed to stay outside the mainstream development of Kenya and still maintain traditions, and their much treasured cattle herds. Some young warriors have recently traveled into town, looking for salaried work, where their fierce reputation precedes them. They are eagerly hired as guards, as thieves rarely will bother a home or establishment that has a Masai guard. The carving was done by one of the world-famous masters of wood: the Makonde Tribe of Tanzania, using only simple hand tools of axes, various-sized knives and sandpaper. The Makonde craftsman carved each figure from a single piece of black, ebony wood, which is an exceptionally hard and richly dark wood found in the borderland strip along the tropical areas in certain sections of Central Africa. Ebony’s exceptional density makes it both heavy and beautiful in its black, glossy sheen when polished. Each figure is 17-18 inches tall, and the set weighs over 3 pounds. wfig41Regular price: $59.90Sale price: $50.92