Wood carving is a popular craft in Kenya. These carvings are made of wood which is readily available in Kenya. Some Kenya wood carvings are decorative while others can be used to serve utility purposes.
History of Kenyan Wood Carvings
Kenya is home of a rich history wood carving. Kenyan wood carvers are known for creating intricate, beautiful pieces of art for over a century. The 12th-century is when the first known Kenyan wood carving was made. This carving is now in the British Museum and depicts a male and female in traditional attire.
European settlers discovered Kenyan woodcarvings popular during colonial times. Many settlers hired Kenyan woodcarvers to make furniture and other decorative items for the homes. Kenyan wood carving still thrives today. Kenyan wood carvers continue making beautiful, original works of art that are treasured both by locals and tourists.
The Materials That Go into Making Kenyan Wood Carvings
Kenya wood carvings are made with a variety different woods. Each wood has its own unique characteristics. Acacia wood is the most popular type of wood used for Kenyan wood carving. Acacia wood has a reputation for being strong and durable, which makes it ideal for intricate carvings. Ebony, mahogany, olivewood and mahogany are all popular types of wood used for Kenyan carving.
Each wood type has its own grain pattern and colors, which makes Kenyan carvers able to create unique pieces of art. Kenyan carvers sometimes combine several woods to create pieces that are truly unique. Kenyan wood carvings use only the best materials to create them. For long-lasting, beautiful art pieces, only the finest woods will be used.
The Forms and Uses of Kenyan Wood Carvings
Kenyan wood carvings have some of the best and most stunning in the world. The shapes of Kenyan woodcarvings are different depending on their origin.
The tribal mask is the most well-known form of Kenyan woodcarving. These masks can be used in ceremonies or rituals to symbolize ancestors, or other spirits. They are typically very intricate and colorful, with bright designs.
Another form of Kenya wood carvings that is very common is the sculpture. These can be carved to almost any shape but most often are animals or people. They are often quite large and impressive and are often considered works of art, rather than functional objects.
The final form of jewelry that Kenyan wood carvings are available is the necklace. This includes rings, bracelets, necklaces, and bracelets. These pieces often have symbols or designs that are meaningful to the wearer.
How much do Kenyan wood carvings cost?
Kenyan wood carvings make beautiful pieces of art and can be found in many places around the globe. Prices for these carvings vary depending on the size and type of wood used, as well as the complexity of the design.
An average Kenya wood carvings cost is $30 to $50. Medium-sized carvings cost between $100 and $500. Larger carvings can go up to $1,000.
The price of a Kenyan wooden carving does not always reflect the quality of the piece. There are many things that can influence the price of a carving. It is important that you select a piece that you are comfortable with.
Where is a Gallery that sells Kenyan wood carvings?
A general internet search can help you find a gallery that offers Kenya wood carvings. It will return many results, including brick-and-mortar and online stores.
Another option is to visit local art galleries. Many galleries offer works by a wide range of artists, including some from Kenya.
There are numerous festivals and fairs that feature Kenyan woodcarvings throughout the year. It is a wonderful way to view a wide range of carvings, and to meet the artisans who make them.
Conclusion
Kenya's wood carvings can be truly amazing and it is a great way for Kenyans to understand them. We hope this article gives you an understanding of the meaning behind these carvings, and the reasons they are so important for Kenyan people. You can find Kenya wood carvings online or from Kenya if you visit.