Makonde wood carvings, Africa's best known art work
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E-mail CNTV, March 18, 2015
African art is as diverse as its culture. There are certain styles though that are well-known. One of the most immediately recognizable, and most widely admired, is the wood-carving of the Makonde people. For them, a wood carving is not just a piece of wood, but its one of the ways the Makonde have preserved their culture.
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One of the most immediately recognizable, and most widely admired, is the wood-carving of the Makonde people. For them a wood carving is not just a piece of wood, but its one of the ways the Makonde have preserved their culture. |
In any souvenir shop on the Kenyan coast one can find wood carvings of different shapes, shades and sizes, sourced from all over the continent. Among the most recognizable wood carvings are those by the Makonde community.
There are as many pieces of art as there are artists, but while for buyers they are simple gift items, every wood carving has a story behind it.
"This wood carving is known as "kinyago"; it's an important piece of art for the Makonde people. They wore it after initiation. This other one here symbolizes unity; you'll find that most Makondes live in close proximity to each other, so this piece signifies the Makonde unity," said Athman Ramadhan, a wood carving seller.
Makonde people are mostly found in Tanzania and Mozambique, but a small group can be found on the Kenyan coast. A small group of them work in Kwale, at a make shift workshop.
"Before I embark on an piece I have to think of what deeper meaning and its historic relevance," said Mathius Lucas Ambunje, a Makonde wood carver.
After an idea has been born, the next process is choosing the type of wood to use. Pieces are often carved from pine or cedar, instead of expensive ebony. Small pieces of wood are distributed to various workshops.
Ambunje has decided to make a small Masai man. It is simple to make and will help him earn money.
"I have to first take my measurements. When I get the right proportions, I start chopping," he said.
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