Colorful recycled oil drums are crafted into garden art sculptures designed to make you smile. Each sculpture is finished with varnish to protect against the elements, although weathering is to be expected if exposed over time. Because this is a handcrafted item made from recycled materials, each elephant is unique. Trunk and ear positions will vary, as well as the colors in each sculpture. [Click to read our Statement on Handmade Variation]

Approximate Sizes: 

[Large] 26"L x 16"W x 18"T
[Medium] 15-18"L x 9-11"W x 10-14"T
[Small] 7"L x 4.5"H 

Size varies based on positioning of trunk and ears.

About the Artisans:

Artisans at the Tonderai Metal Works in Zimbabwe use recycled materials and discarded oil drums to create stunning works of art and feature one-of-a-kind detailing.

Designed to showcase flowers as if they were an ostrich's plumes, these handmade African sculptures are are welded outside of Nairobi using recycled oil drums and scrap metal. Each ostrich is crafted from the ground up and exhibits its own unique characteristics.

The sculptures can be displayed inside or outside of the home and are one-of-a-kind. Because they are made of metal, the ostrich planters will develop a patina when exposed to the elements.

Large measures 6 feet tall, with a planter basket that measures 21"D x 8.5"T. Smaller size measures 5 feet tall, with a planter basket that measures 15"D x 6"T. Sizes may vary slightly due to the handcrafted nature of this item.

Extra shipping fees are required for this oversized item. Please scroll down for more information.

About Shipping:

Shipping for oil drum sculptures requires a pallet and starts at $200. With freight costs increasing in 2021-22, we have seen costs as high as $400-$650.

After your purchase, we will work with a freight company to determine the exact shipping cost for the pallet to your location, from our warehouse in Oregon. We will contact you via email about the additional shipping fees.

We can also create this shipping quote at any time during the ordering process! Please email us at info@swahilimodern.com with your full shipping address to get started.

About the Artisans:

Just south of Nairobi, Tom and his team of five create their unique designs by welding nuts, washers and metal rods. Tom and his small team of craftsmen keep their designs refreshingly simple. We love seeing such an iconic Kenyan animal reimagined with such thoughtful invention.

These freestanding African sculptures are all welded in Kenya by metal artists using recycled oil drums and scrap metal. Each elephant is handcrafted from the ground up and is one-of-a-kind, with a unique personality. Trunk position varies.

The sculptures can be displayed inside or outside of the home. Due to the handcrafted nature of this sculpture, size will vary slightly.

Dimensions: approximately 14-20"H x 20"L x 7"W

Crafted from: Recycled metal

Made in: Kenya

About the Artisans:

Moses and his small workshop of craftsmen build their own welding machines out of copper coil, tape, steel rod, and a sheet metal housing in order to create these spectacular metal works of art. Moses began his artistic career making furniture, but quickly switched to sculpture after an interested European buyer created a demand for his works abroad.

These richly detailed, freestanding lion sculptures are welded outside of Nairobi using recycled oil drums and other scrap metal. Each lion is handcrafted from the ground up and is one-of-a-kind.

The sculptures can be displayed inside or outside, with the metal developing a patina with exposure to the elements.

Size: 56" long (nose to tail) x 30" tall x 14" max width

Made in: Kenya

Extra shipping fees are required for this oversized item. Please continue reading for more information.

About Shipping:

Shipping for oil drum sculptures requires a pallet, which starts around $200. With freight costs increasing through 2021-22, we have seen costs as high as $650.

After your purchase, we will work with a freight company to determine the exact shipping cost for the pallet to your location, from our warehouse in Oregon. We will contact you via email about the actual cost of shipping fees.

We can also create this shipping quote at any time during the ordering process! Please email us at info@swahilimodern.com with your full shipping address to get started.

About the Artisan:

Moses and his small workshop of craftsmen build their own welding machines out of copper coil, tape, steel rod, and a sheet metal housing in order to create these spectacular, metal works of art. Moses began his artistic career making furniture, but quickly switched to sculpture after an interested European buyer created a demand for his works abroad.

One-of-a-kind art from Kenya, these sculptures are welded from recycled metal and feature a large cow bone as each figure's dress. The sculptures can be displayed inside or outside of the home, with the metal developing a patina with exposure to the elements.

We immediately purchased these sculptures upon seeing them in Nairobi because of their unique beauty and eco-friendly construction. Sold singly, the sculptures have the greatest impact as a set. Sculptures measure approximately 58-62"T.

Extra shipping fees are required for this oversized item. Please scroll down for more information.

About Shipping:

A single sculpture will ship in an oversized box. Multiple sculptures can be shipped on a single pallet.

Shipping starts at $200 for a single sculpture to the West coast. If a pallet is required, cost can range from $400-$650+ due to the high cost of freight in 2021. After purchase, we will contact you regarding the actual shipping charges, based on your shipping address.

We can also provide a shipping quote at any time during the ordering process. Please email us at info@swahilimodern.com with your full shipping address to get started.

About the Artisans:

A small workshop of artisans outside of Nairobi collect and transform discarded metal into spectacular works of art. Welders by trade, these talented men use modern machinery to create representations of old world Africa. Other local materials are often used in their sculptures, including bone, stones, and fabric.

Measuring 70" long, this handmade table runner with its modern graphics is created by weaving dried twigs through through hand-dyed mudcloth fabric.

Two lengths of twigs are used to create visual contrast. The fabric is a thick canvas that has been dyed using a mudcloth technique in Mali.

Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.

Dimensions: 16"W x 70"L

Crafted from: Dried twigs, cotton, dye

Made in: Mali

About the Artisans:

Mali Chic is a collaboration of 195 artisans that sells its products through a boutique in Bamako and through international exports. Artisans work from home, in their own workshops or on-site at Mali Chic.

This visually striking 70" long table runner with its natural tones is created by weaving dried twigs through through hand-dyed mudcloth fabric.

Two lengths of twigs are used to create visual contrast. The fabric is a thick canvas that has been dyed using a mudcloth technique in Mali.

Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.

Dimensions: 16"W x 70"L

Crafted from: Dried twigs, cotton, dye

Made in: Mali

About the Artisans:

Mali Chic is a collaboration of 195 artisans that sells its products through a boutique in Bamako and through international exports. Artisans work from home, in their own workshops or on-site at Mali Chic.

Measuring 70" long, these handcrafted table runners are created by weaving dried twigs through through hand-dyed mud cloth fabric.

Two lengths of twigs are used to create visual contrast. The fabric is a thick canvas that has been dyed using a mud cloth technique in Mali.

Dimensions: 16"W x 70"L

Crafted from: Dried twigs, cotton, dye

Made in: Mali

About the Artisans:

Mali Chic is a collaboration of 195 artisans that sells its products through a boutique in Bamako and through international exports. Artisans work from home, in their own workshops or on-site at Mali Chic.

These luxurious throws are woven by artisans using cotton grown and spun in Ethiopia. The weaving process creates sumptuously soft, multi-tonal cotton with handspun texture. Each throw is finished with a hand-sewn center seam and hand-knotted fringe on each end.

Delightful as a wrap or a throw blanket, the New Moon colorway features cool grays and a contrasting red center seam.

Natural materials such as leaves, flowers, and coffee, along with textile dyes are used to produce each color. The environmentally friendly dyes are both AZO free and REACH certified.

Throw is made with 100% Ethiopian cotton and measures approximately 72"L x 47"W. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, some variation may occur. 

About the Artisans:

Sabahar is an Ethiopian company that produces uniquely designed, hand made cotton and silk textiles that are entirely handcrafted from natural fibers grown and processed in Ethiopia.

Kathy Marshall, a Canadian by birth who has lived in Ethiopia over 20 years, founded Sabahar in 2004. Her passion for preserving and celebrating the rich weaving tradition of Ethiopia, combined with her desire to create respectful and ethical work opportunities for marginalized people have laid the foundation for the company.

These luxe throws are woven by artisans using cotton grown and spun in Ethiopia. The weaving process creates sumptuously soft, multi-tonal cotton with handspun texture. Each throw is finished with a hand-sewn center seam and hand-knotted fringe on each end. The Harvest Moon colorway features warm, earthy tones and neutrals.

Natural materials such as leaves, flowers, and coffee, along with textile dyes are used to produce each color. The environmentally friendly dyes are both AZO free and REACH certified.

Throw is made with 100% Ethiopian cotton and measures approximately 72"L x 47"W. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, some variation may occur.

About the Artisans:

Sabahar is an Ethiopian company that produces uniquely designed, hand made cotton and silk textiles that are entirely handcrafted from natural fibers grown and processed in Ethiopia.

Kathy Marshall, a Canadian by birth who has lived in Ethiopia over 20 years, founded Sabahar in 2004. Her passion for preserving and celebrating the rich weaving tradition of Ethiopia, combined with her desire to create respectful and ethical work opportunities for marginalized people have laid the foundation for the company.

Vibrant patchwork warthog sculptures are hand-created by metal sculptors at Tonderai Metal Works, working with used oil drums.

The sculptures can be displayed inside or outside of the home and are one-of-a-kind. Because they are made of metal, the sculptures will develop a patina when exposed to the elements. Colors of sculptures will vary, depending on available oil drums.

Sold singly; three sizes available. Weathering is to be expected if the sculpture is exposed to elements over time. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary.

Dimensions:
Small: 7"L x 3"W x 6"H
Medium: 14"L x 5"W x 9.5"H
Large: 20"L x 9"W x 21"H

Crafted from: Recycled metal

Made in: Zimbabwe

About the Artisans:

Artisans at the Tonderai Metal Works in Zimbabwe use recycled materials and discarded oil drums to create stunning works of art and feature one-of-a-kind detailing.