 |  | 
 
 This item is a hand crafted set of Masai warrior (called a moran’ in Maa language) and his wife, both in traditional dress. This work of folk art was masterfully hand-carved from a single block of rich mahogany wood by an Akamba carver, living in southern Kenya. This detailed carving displays the trademark symbols of the Masai embroidered beadwork, rich colors, and the elongated ear lobes. This warrior shows his senior rank in his dress and marriage. He is holding a (removable) spear and shield. 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 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.
In rough woodsheds and under the shade of mango trees, Akamba 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 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 pair of Masai figurines are 24" tall and weigh over 10lbs.
|
|