THE LOST WAX WAY
Artisans in Burkina Faso convey the serene beauty of feminine Africa in bronze, cast with the lost wax method: the sculpture is carved in beeswax and a clay mold is formed around it, then the wax is melted away, leaving a void to fill with molten bronze.
When we receive shipments from Burkina, I love looking at each sculpture and imagining how the piece came together as it was shaped in wax. The amount of time invested in small details always comes through, and rush jobs are equally evident. This artistic style focuses mainly on a smoothly contoured figure in repose, which can be replicated quite closely. To give each piece individuality, roughly-textured frocks wrap each figure with folds and flares in slightly different array--guaranteeing that each piece is completely one-of-a-kind.
Sculptures of figures of all shapes and sizes emerge from the foundry, from tiny dancing ladies to towering statues. In true Burkinabe spirit, an appreciation for distinctiveness shines through each creation. While an August terrorist attack in Burkina's capital city, Ougadougou, may make the country seem like a dangerous place to visit, our agent Abraham affirms our shock to again hear of this lovely city and its kind people falling to harm.
Related Products
$42.00
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.
$38.00
This stately woman with her red dress and headscarf is cast in Burkina Faso using the lost wax method, which uses hand-formed wax to create a cast for the molten bronze. Each sculpture is completely one-of-a-kind, so color and shape may vary slightly.
Dimensions: 2"L x 2.5"W x 6"H
Crafted from: Metal
Made in: Burkina Faso
$98.00
Using the lost wax method to cast this calming bronze sculpture, artisans in Burkina Faso celebrate a lovely female figure searching for knowledge in a book.
An amazing value compared to similar bronze sculptures sold in the US, this work of African art adds beauty and meaning to any ledge in your home.
Measures 4"L x 4"W x 7.5"T. Due to the handmade nature of this item, some variation will occur.
$88.00
These colorful giraffes crafted from red, yellow, white, green, orange, and blue oil drums will brighten any space you choose! Each sculpture made from recycled metal 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, each one is unique; colors will vary, and size may vary by several inches.
Approximate sizes:
[Extra Small] 24" T x 8"L x 4"W
[Small] 35"T x 8"L x 4"W
[Medium] 42-46"T x 10"L X 6"W
Crafted from: Recycled metal
Made in: Zimbabwe
Extra shipping fees are required for the Large and Extra Large sizes. Please scroll down for more information, and email us at info@swahilimodern.com with any questions.
About Shipping:
Shipping for large sculptures requires a pallet and cost starts at $200. After purchase, we will contact you via email regarding the additional shipping charges.
Shipping from our location in Oregon to the Northeast is most expensive, while shipping to California is least expensive. Shipping includes the cost for using a lift gate. Costs can sometimes be reduced if you can provide a business address.
Multiple sculptures can be shipped on a single pallet, typically costing the same as shipping for a single sculpture on a pallet.
We can 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.
Once you have placed your order and agreed to the shipping cost, we will send you a Paypal invoice. The total will subtract any shipping you have already paid during the checkout process.
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.
$36.00
Perched on the edge of a shelf, this sculpture of a casually seated woman will bring a dash of color and shine to your home decor. Artisans in Burkina Faso cast the woman's form using the lost wax method and poured bronze, then hand-paint the details of the dress and headpiece.
Designed to sit on the edge of a ledge, shelf or table. Sold singly. Colors and leg positions may vary.
Dimensions: 3.5"L x 3.5"W x 5"H
Crafted from: Bronze
Made in: Burkina Faso
$44.00
Zimbabwean sculptor Maxwell Marufu utilizes recycled metal and decommissioned cooking pots to create these unique wart hog outdoor planters. One needs only add a potted plant to create a whimsical corner of the yard and garden.
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. Because they are crafted from scrap metal, each will vary.
Dimensions:
Small: 14"L x 8.5"W x 14"H
Medium: 16"L x 9"W x 16"T
Large: 17"L x 11"W x 20"T
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.
$185.00
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.
$76.00
Metal sculptors in Burkina Faso use a lost-wax casting method to create beautiful modern African art. This tranquil sculpture portrays a feminine figure wearing pale green clothes and practicing a yoga tree pose.
Sold singly. Because this is a handmade creation, each will vary slightly.
Dimensions: 4"L x 3.5"W x 9.25"H
Crafted from: Bronze, paint
Made in: Burkina Faso
$76.00
This set of four sculptures will bring springtime to any space! Zimbabwean artist Luke sculpts bird from stone, adds recycled metal beaks, legs and tail feathers, and hand-paints colorful coats.
Sold as a set of four, in the colors shown. Due to the handcrafted nature of these items, slight variations may occur.
Dimensions: 6.5"L x 2"W x 3.5"H
Crafted from: Recycled metal, stone
Made in: Zimbabwe
About the Artisan:
Zimbabwean artist Luke Jimu works with springstone, which is a prized dark stone that polishes to a high shine because of its density. Most springstone is sustainably sourced and is mined on communal lands for the purpose of sculpting.
$136.00
This bronze sculpture, crafted by the age-old lost-wax casting process, portrays a woman as she dances to the music of the griots with arms wide and skirt twirling. Across West Africa, griots utilized oral tradition to share history, praise, poetry and cultural norms through music, recitation and dance.
Sold singly. Because this is a handmade creation, each will vary slightly.
Dimensions: 10"T x 3"L x 6"W
Crafted from: Bronze, paint
Made in: Burkina Faso