Wood carving is one of the most popular crafts in Kenya. These carvings are made out of wood, which is abundantly available in Kenya. Some of the Kenya wood carvings are just for decorations while others can be used for utility purposes.
The History of Kenyan Wood Carvings
Kenya is home to a rich history of wood carving. For centuries, Kenyan wood carvers have been creating beautiful and intricate works of art. The earliest known Kenyan wood carving dates back to the 12th century. This carving, which is now housed in the British Museum, depicts a man and a woman in traditional dress.
During the colonial period, Kenyan wood carvings became popular among European settlers. Many settlers commissioned Kenyan wood carvers to create furniture and other decorative items for their homes. Today, Kenyan wood carving is still thriving. Kenyan wood carvers continue to create beautiful and unique works of art that are cherished by both locals and foreigners alike.
The Materials Used to Make Kenyan Wood Carvings
Kenya wood carvings are made from a variety of different woods, each with its own unique properties. The most common type of wood used in Kenyan wood carving is acacia wood. Acacia wood is known for its durability and strength, making it an ideal material for creating intricate carvings. Other popular types of wood used in Kenyan carving include olivewood, mahogany, and ebony.
Each type of wood has its own unique grain pattern and color, which allows Kenyan carvers to create beautiful and distinct pieces of art. Kenyan carvers often use a combination of different woods to create a piece that is truly one-of-a-kind. The materials used to make Kenyan wood carvings are carefully selected to ensure the highest quality product. Only the finest woods are used in order to create long lasting, beautiful works of art.
The Forms of Kenyan Wood Carvings
Kenyan wood carvings are some of the most unique and beautiful in the world. The forms of Kenyan wood carvings vary depending on the tribe and region they come from.
The most common form of Kenyan wood carving is probably the tribal mask. These masks are used in ceremonies and rituals to represent ancestors or other spirits. They are usually very ornate, with intricate designs and bright colors.
Another common form of Kenya wood carvings is the sculpture. These can be carved into almost any shape, but are often animals or people. They are usually quite large and impressive, and are often seen as works of art rather than functional objects.
Finally, Kenyan wood carvings can also be found in the form of jewelry. This includes things like necklaces, bracelets, and rings. Often, these pieces will be carved with symbols or designs that have special meaning to the wearer.
How Much Do Kenya wood carvings Cost?
Kenyan wood carvings are unique and beautiful pieces of art that can be found in many different places around the world. The cost of these carvings can vary depending on the size, type of wood, and the intricacy of the design.
The average cost of a small Kenya wood carvings is between $30 and $50. The price for a medium-sized carving can range from $100 to $500, and large carvings can cost upwards of $1,000.
When purchasing a Kenyan wood carving, it is important to remember that the price is not always indicative of the quality of the piece. There are many factors that contribute to the cost of a carving, and it is important to choose a piece that you feel comfortable with.
Where Can One Find a Gallery Selling Kenya Wood carvings?
When looking for a gallery that sells Kenya wood carvings, one can start by doing a general search online. This will bring up many different results, including both online and brick-and-mortar stores.
Another option is to check with local art galleries in the area. Many of these galleries sell works from a variety of artists, including those from Kenya.
Lastly, there are also many fairs and festivals that take place throughout the year that feature Kenyan woodcarvings. Attending one of these events is a great way to see a wide variety of carvings and meet the artists who create them.
Conclusion
Kenya's wood carvings are truly unique and understanding them can be a great way to appreciate Kenyan culture. We hope that this article has given you some insight into the meaning behind these carvings and why they are so important to the people of Kenya. If you're ever in Kenya, be sure to check out some of these carvings or you can find them by visiting Kenya wood carvings.