hand sculptures

Huergo and Menchaca are friends who share the same given name of Angela. More importantly, they share a passion for reinventing Nicaraguan handicrafts, while respecting the past. "Our designs arise from our different experiences united in an innovative and creative concept. The result is an avant-garde collection influenced by the culture and art of Latin America and Europe, with Caribbean colours." This cedar sculpture depicts young Jesus in the arms of his earthly father, Joseph. The white lilies he holds represent the presence of the Virgin Mary.

Victoria Agyepomaa of Ghana designs a hand carved sese wood sculpture of a loving couple in a tender embrace. With fluid, stylized lines, the man sits behind the woman, encircling her in his arms. Painted black and copper brown, the artist names this sculpture Maphikelela, a Zulu word which means "preserves."

Mexican artisan Angel Ceron creates his interpretation of Catrina, the Grand Dame of Death that is a symbol prevalent in the Day of the Dead celebrations that honor ancestors and influential people that have passed from this world. This Catrina wears an elegant harvest gold evening dress and a wide-brimmed hat and carries a bouquet of three blue and yellow flowers. Two more blooms grace the bottom of her gown. Her skeletal figure is black with white highlights that accentuate the texture of the ceramic figurine.

Shimmering golden accents hide within the ridges of these shell statuettes from Togog Suyasa in Bali. Using local albesia wood, the artisan hand carves the pair, crafting each statuette in a different size with a square base for support. Finally, the shells are painted deep black with bright golden accents.

Pablo and Lucy Mendez are part of the Oaxaca wood alebrije tradition, which economically sustains the rural town of San Martin Tilcajete in the Central Valleys of this Mexican state. This version depicts a deer with sleek appendages and semi-natural colouring. The ears, antlers and tail detach to allow for shipping without breakage.