subject: African Figurines: How Are They Made? [print this page] There are many artisans originating from West Africa who are known for their skill in carving wooden figurines and statuettes. Aburi a town in Ghana, is host to many of these artisans who are extemely talented in the craft of carving wooden sculpture.
This skill is not something that is learnt overnight; it is a craft that on average is developed over a ten year period. When you think about how long it would take to become an expert in this craft you can see why the people of Aburi are definately one of the best. The art pieces that come from this region of Africa range from a number of different African art pieces such as masks, djemba drums, and African sculptures. The process of making wooden African figurines for example is a lengthy and time consuming practice and can take nearly a whole week before it is done.
The process often goes through stages similar to this summary:
To start of with the tree is cut down and taken to a warehouse where it is broken into minature pieces. Then it is left for the night. In the morning master carvers from all around the village arrive to pick up the specific hard woods they are looking for in order to start their next project by noon. They spend numerous days carving the wood until they can say they are pleased with the end result. Then the carving goes through a polishing stage where gloss is applied to it and it is left to dry. Once dry the carving is ready for shipping to where ever it is needed. This is just a quick run through of what needs to happen in order for these fine art pieces to be made and presented to the world.
Even though the African carvers and artisans in most of the third world countries do not make alot financially, especially when we take into context the fact that they are earning not just for themselves but for their families. In the past these artisans were taken advantage of, for their hard work and artifacts. They were being paid extremely small amounts by western countries who paid sometimes something as little as twenty pence for the artisan's time and effort spent creating a difficult wooden artifact for somebody else half way around the Earth to receive joy from. There is a new law now in place called the fair trade act which covers these hardworking artisans. The law states that these artisans should have a larger share of the money made from their efforts and craftsmanship. Even though the amounts these artists are making are still very minute considering how much of a contribution they make in order for bigger businesses to survive. The artisans provide the products so its only right that they are also credited through what they are paid.
by: David Anders
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