carved wood sculptures

From the inspired mind of West Africa artisan Ali Mohammed comes this distinctive, hand-carved waiter figurine. Employing the use of various tools, the artist first sculpts the gentleman as he stands unwavering and firm on a wood base, complete with a hat, service tray and arm towel. He then adds clay before applying acrylic paint in shades of blue and ash. He completes the process by giving it an antique finish for a vintage look.

By Riyas, three sleek black elephants wear grey silks depicting an ancient Mughal king riding his own pachyderms. The elephant is considered a devotee of Lord Shiva and is an important icon in Hindu mythology. From ancient times until the 18th century, elephants were an integral part of land warfare and military strategy in India. Elephants are also revered for their acute memory and physical strength, and the mighty beasts symbolize auspiciousness, abundance, and well-being.

Hand-painted with intricate motifs in grey and silver tones, this fascinating rhino figurine is crafted by Mexican duo Zeny and Reyna. They work in the time-honored tradition of alebrije handicrafts, hand-carving the animal from copal wood. Small parts are separated for shipping to protect from breakage.

The alebrije tradition started with Mexico City papier mache artisan Pedro Linares (1906-1992). When he was 30, he fell into a coma due to serious illness. While he was unconscious, he dreamed he was caught between the land of the living and the dead; the place looked like a forest and was populated with creatures with body parts belonging to different animals. The beings repeatedly uttered the word alebrije. Upon recovering, Linares recreated these figures in bright colors using papier mache techniques and called them alebrijes. His work became famous and was one of the main influences of artisans in the state of Oaxaca who began crafting alebrijes of their own using traditional wood carving methods.

An adorable cat with grey stripes lounges about, a curious expression forever on its face. Expressing his love for animals, Bali's Nengah Sudarsana hand-carves this sculpture from suar wood, painting it by hand.

Balancing with the help of its tail, a cat closes its eyes while expertly posing in the vrkasana, or "tree posture" in Hindu yoga. Nengah Sudarsana masterfully carves this suar wood sculpture by hand, painting it with tones of grey and white

Holding its front paws above its head, a grey and white cat reaches toward the sky while sitting in the asana, or lotus position. Inhaling and exhaling deeply, the cat practices Hindu yoga in a sculpture by Bali's Nengah Sudarsana. He masterfully carves and paints the suar wood feline by hand.

Let this irresistible cat figurine cast a spell of delight in your home. Lovingly hand-carved from suar wood by Balinese artisan Nengah Sudarsana, this endearing decorative accent embodies feline whimsy, evoking a sense of comfort and companionship that will instantly capture your heart.

Working in the traditional Oaxacan folk art form called alebrijes, Pablo and Lucy Mendez in Mexico create this marvelous sculpture. The delicate deer is carved by hand from copal wood and then painted in meticulous detail. Please note that small parts may be detached for secure shipping.

The folk art tradition of alebrijes dates back to the 1930s in Mexico City. A man named Pedro Linares was taken ill, and in his fevered dreams he saw a strange land populated with curious creatures--a donkey with wings, a rooster with bull's horns, and a lion with the head of a dog. The beasts all ran at him, shouting the nonsense word, "alebrije! alebrije!". Upon his recovery, Linares began recreating the fantastical creatures he had seen in his dream in papier mache. The art form gained popularity, and alebrijes are now made of wood as well as papier mache. The same style of painting can also be found on other (non-animal) items.

Relaxed and poised, this grey-striped cat is alert to the world around it, smiling a friendly smile. Nengah Sudarsana hand-carves the endearing cat from suar wood, painting it with expressive detail. This sculpture is designed to rest on a bookshelf, a computer monitor, or table.

Covered with brilliant flowers, Mohammad Hussain Baba's pair of elephant statuettes make lovely home accents. The Indian artisan hand carves each statuette from weeping willow wood, then covers the wood in papier mache before hand painting the set with grey and golden flowers. Finally, a glossy coat of lacquer offers shine and protection.