Wood sculptures – living tradition
October 21, 2009 by admin
Filed under Visual Art
Batanai Artworks asked:
In the south of the Sahara, wood is the most commonly used material for carving. Nowadays, wooden sculptures are still very much an existing tradition. Today, many people worldwide are fascinated by the aesthetic appeal of imaginative and creative African Art.
It is difficult to envision as to how African tribal sculptors have viewed their very own work, however, they have certainly not perceived it as art reflecting the western approach from recent centuries.
Tribal carving is prepared for a clear and practical purpose. A figure may represent an ancestor destined to stand in a place of worship, otherwise everyday objects, figurines; ceremonial objects, sculptures and decorative items are reflected.
Selecting the correct wood indicates that the carving will last for many years. When the incorrect wood is utilised, the carving may shrink or *****. Wood is, after all, a “living” material and is subject to changes regarding climate and humidity.
Certain woods are becoming rare, and, in turn, are difficult to source.
Ironwood
Ironwood is an exceptionally solid and beautiful brown wood found in Zimbabwe and parts of South Africa. When dry, it still remains heavy because of the density of the grains.
It consists of a dark red or deep reddish brown colour. The timber has proven to be extremely durable. Ironwood is a common name for a wide variety of African trees or shrubs that possess exceptionally hard or dense wood. Although the name is generally applied to trees of three unrelated genera, scores of other trees are also known as ironwood in local usage and terms. Because it is so dense, it will not float in water; therefore carving anything from this material can be extremely difficult.
Southern Africa is home to many master carvers of Ironwood, especially in Zimbabwe. They use hand held tools to initiate producing these works of art.
The tree is white on the outside (sap wood) and dark brown on the inside (heart wood). Polishing accentuates the natural colour of the wood, while the finished heart wood ranges from brown to black, depending on the age of the tree.
At BATANAI we take great care in selecting our Ironwood carvings to make sure they have been properly dried.
Sandalwood
Exceptionally rare, this wood is also tricky to find. In many parts of Africa, this wood is protected. It has a beautiful aroma, which lasts for years, and comes from the thick and heavy sap. The grain is interesting and contains many swirls and twists that enhance the natural beauty of the wood.
Ebony
This is known as a black hardwood, famous for it’s lustrous beauty. It is a delicacy in the world of the African wood sculptor. Skilled ebony sculptors tend to migrate to the few regions of Africa where ebony wood is grown. A highly dense wood with a dark interlocking grain, ebony wood is normally brown on the outside of the tree, and black on the inside. The carvings often appear as a beautiful mixture of black and brown, but the pure dark black wood that is the most renowned grain. It is interesting to note that ebony is probably the world’s most expensive wood.
In the south of the Sahara, wood is the most commonly used material for carving. Nowadays, wooden sculptures are still very much an existing tradition. Today, many people worldwide are fascinated by the aesthetic appeal of imaginative and creative African Art.
It is difficult to envision as to how African tribal sculptors have viewed their very own work, however, they have certainly not perceived it as art reflecting the western approach from recent centuries.
Tribal carving is prepared for a clear and practical purpose. A figure may represent an ancestor destined to stand in a place of worship, otherwise everyday objects, figurines; ceremonial objects, sculptures and decorative items are reflected.
Selecting the correct wood indicates that the carving will last for many years. When the incorrect wood is utilised, the carving may shrink or *****. Wood is, after all, a “living” material and is subject to changes regarding climate and humidity.
Certain woods are becoming rare, and, in turn, are difficult to source.
Ironwood
Ironwood is an exceptionally solid and beautiful brown wood found in Zimbabwe and parts of South Africa. When dry, it still remains heavy because of the density of the grains.
It consists of a dark red or deep reddish brown colour. The timber has proven to be extremely durable. Ironwood is a common name for a wide variety of African trees or shrubs that possess exceptionally hard or dense wood. Although the name is generally applied to trees of three unrelated genera, scores of other trees are also known as ironwood in local usage and terms. Because it is so dense, it will not float in water; therefore carving anything from this material can be extremely difficult.
Southern Africa is home to many master carvers of Ironwood, especially in Zimbabwe. They use hand held tools to initiate producing these works of art.
The tree is white on the outside (sap wood) and dark brown on the inside (heart wood). Polishing accentuates the natural colour of the wood, while the finished heart wood ranges from brown to black, depending on the age of the tree.
At BATANAI we take great care in selecting our Ironwood carvings to make sure they have been properly dried.
Sandalwood
Exceptionally rare, this wood is also tricky to find. In many parts of Africa, this wood is protected. It has a beautiful aroma, which lasts for years, and comes from the thick and heavy sap. The grain is interesting and contains many swirls and twists that enhance the natural beauty of the wood.
Ebony
This is known as a black hardwood, famous for it’s lustrous beauty. It is a delicacy in the world of the African wood sculptor. Skilled ebony sculptors tend to migrate to the few regions of Africa where ebony wood is grown. A highly dense wood with a dark interlocking grain, ebony wood is normally brown on the outside of the tree, and black on the inside. The carvings often appear as a beautiful mixture of black and brown, but the pure dark black wood that is the most renowned grain. It is interesting to note that ebony is probably the world’s most expensive wood.
Bali Handicraft – The Hidden Treasure
October 6, 2009 by admin
Filed under Visual Art
Gusti Anom asked:
Bali Handicraft industry is flourishing in every aspect. Jewelry, furniture, wooden carving, table lamp, music equipment, bamboo crafts etc. Most of their design and style infected by traditional culture in this area. This is could be attracted the eager of the International craft’s lover and businessman to buy Bali handicraft.
Bali has a wide-variety of Bali handicrafts. Artisans from each area improve their own skills to produce an up to date product. Every single piece of art in Bali reflect the uniqueness of Bali’s art and culture. The handicrafts produced in many villages with a traditional methods.
Each area has their own specialization product. If you want to find wooden product such as statue and sculpture, Please visit Tegalalang and Ubud area. In Celuk and Sukawati you can find various of silver jewelry product. For bamboo handicraft and furniture you can find in Bona and Belega area. Painting you can find in Kamasan and Singapadu and many more.
Handicrafts manufactures and suppliers aim is to bring forth, artisan’s intricate artwork, master craftsmanship, hard work and fine detailing. Bali handicrafts supplier bring the vast range of wholesale crafts in Bali. It showcases the rare artistry skills and innovations comprises of wholesale crafts, handicraft jewelry, furnishing items, wholesale decorative items, table accessories, antique armory, paintings, garden accessories, wooden toys, wooden sculpture, stone crafts, bamboo craft, sarong, coco shell craft etc.
The beauty, elegance and exquisite designs of handicraft products in Bali have made a niche for themselves in the heart of the art and handicraft businessman in worldwide.
Bali Handicraft industry is flourishing in every aspect. Jewelry, furniture, wooden carving, table lamp, music equipment, bamboo crafts etc. Most of their design and style infected by traditional culture in this area. This is could be attracted the eager of the International craft’s lover and businessman to buy Bali handicraft.
Bali has a wide-variety of Bali handicrafts. Artisans from each area improve their own skills to produce an up to date product. Every single piece of art in Bali reflect the uniqueness of Bali’s art and culture. The handicrafts produced in many villages with a traditional methods.
Each area has their own specialization product. If you want to find wooden product such as statue and sculpture, Please visit Tegalalang and Ubud area. In Celuk and Sukawati you can find various of silver jewelry product. For bamboo handicraft and furniture you can find in Bona and Belega area. Painting you can find in Kamasan and Singapadu and many more.
Handicrafts manufactures and suppliers aim is to bring forth, artisan’s intricate artwork, master craftsmanship, hard work and fine detailing. Bali handicrafts supplier bring the vast range of wholesale crafts in Bali. It showcases the rare artistry skills and innovations comprises of wholesale crafts, handicraft jewelry, furnishing items, wholesale decorative items, table accessories, antique armory, paintings, garden accessories, wooden toys, wooden sculpture, stone crafts, bamboo craft, sarong, coco shell craft etc.
The beauty, elegance and exquisite designs of handicraft products in Bali have made a niche for themselves in the heart of the art and handicraft businessman in worldwide.
