🐘 African Elephant Carving – Handcrafted in Olivewood, Kenya

Symbol of strength • Artisan made • Naturally beautiful

This striking elephant sculpture is hand-carved from wild olivewood by skilled artisans in Kenya, capturing the quiet power and grace of one of Africa’s most revered animals. Measuring approximately 18 × 15 cm, it’s a tactile tribute to craftsmanship, heritage, and the enduring symbolism of the elephant.

🌿 Crafted from Wild Olivewood

• Sustainably sourced from pruned or fallen branches—never from live trees—preserving Kenya’s native forests.
• Olivewood is known for its rich, swirling grain and warm tones, making each carving visually unique and naturally elegant.
• Finished by hand to a smooth, polished surface that highlights the wood’s organic beauty.

✋ Handmade by Kenyan Artisans

• Carved using traditional tools and techniques passed down through generations.
• Your purchase supports local craftspeople and helps preserve cultural carving traditions in rural communities.
• Ethically sourced and traded, with a focus on fair wages and sustainable livelihoods.

🐘 Symbolism & Story

• The elephant is a powerful symbol of wisdom, protection, memory, and family bonds across African cultures.
• A storycard included with each piece shares the meaning behind the elephant and the artisan journey, deepening the emotional connection for the buyer or gift recipient.

🎁 Uses & Benefits

• Ideal for display in homes, offices, meditation spaces, or gift collections.
• Encourages reflection, grounding, and a sense of calm—perfect for those seeking meaningful décor.
• Makes a thoughtful gift for animal lovers, conservationists, or anyone drawn to handmade beauty with a story.
• Pairs beautifully with other African wood carvings, soapstone pieces, or wildlife-themed items.

📏 Approximate Dimensions

• Height: 15 cm
• Length: 18 cm
• Natural variations in grain, tone, and carving detail make each sculpture one-of-a-kind

🌳 Crafting an Olivewood Bowl: A Step-by-Step Journey

Olivewood is prized not only for its rich grain and earthy aroma but also for its durability and character. Turning it into a bowl blends tradition, craftsmanship, and patience.

The process is similar for other olivewood designs.

🪵 1. Selecting the Wood

• Harvested from pruned branches or fallen trees—never from live, healthy trunks.
• Chosen pieces are seasoned for months or even years to reduce cracking.

🔧 2. Rough Shaping

• The dried wood blank is mounted on a lathe.
• It’s turned into a rough bowl shape using gouges and chisels, gradually revealing the wood’s unique patterns.

🌀 3. Drying Again

• The rough bowl is often re-dried to stabilize its shape.
• This can take several more weeks to prevent warping.

✨ 4. Final Turning

• Back on the lathe, the bowl is refined into its final dimensions.
• Detail tools carve out the rim, base, and contours with precision.

🛠️ 5. Sanding & Smoothing

• Sanded progressively from coarse to ultra-fine grits.
• The goal: a silky, tactile finish that highlights the grain’s depth.

🌿 6. Oiling or Waxing

• Olive oil or food-safe wax is applied to seal and enhance the wood’s natural sheen.
• Some artisans buff it to a soft glow, others prefer a matte, rustic texture.

🖐️ 7. Final Touches

• Any imperfections are addressed, and the bowl is inspected for balance and finish.

Every olivewood bowl is like a thumbprint: distinct, storied, and quietly elegant.

🫒 Olivewood Care: Keep It Glowing for Years

Olivewood is stunning and durable, but it thrives with a little mindful maintenance. Whether it’s a bowl, board, or carving, here’s how to keep it looking rich and radiant.

🧼 Cleaning Basics

• Hand-wash only with warm water and mild soap.
• Avoid soaking or using dishwashers—heat and moisture can warp or crack the wood.
• Dry immediately with a soft towel to prevent swelling or dullness.

🪔 Conditioning the Wood

• Use food-safe mineral oil or beeswax to nourish and protect.
• Apply with a lint-free cloth in circular motions.
• Let it absorb overnight, then buff off any excess.
• Reapply every few months or when the wood looks dry.

🧃 Dealing with Odors or Stains

• Neutralize smells with lemon juice or a paste of baking soda and water.
• For deeper cleaning, a mix of white vinegar and water works well.
• Always rinse and dry thoroughly afterward.

🛠️ Scratch & Crack Repair

• Light scratches? Gently sand with fine-grit sandpaper (220–400).
• Follow up with oiling to restore the finish.
• For small cracks, oil may help rehydrate and seal the wood.

🌡️ Storage Tips

• Keep away from direct sunlight, extreme heat, or humidity swings.
• Store in a dry, stable environment to prevent warping or fading.

Olivewood ages beautifully when cared for—it deepens in color and gains character over time.

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