When we make some of the larger pieces you have seen on the preceding pages we always end up with off cuts. Usually far too precious many of them to be thrown aside. This small example on the left is what becomes some of the better ones.

A beautifully simple table bowl for appetizers.
Of course a single piece of Iroko.

This great little piece I picked up in Zanzibar on my latest visit. They use this small sliding top bowl for some of the islands many spices.
You could use it for anything from a jewelry box to a sewing container. Great little xmas present.

This single piece solid bowl, for 
fruit or the like, was made in 
our own workshop from a solid
 piece of Iroko, or African teak.
 It measures an incredible 18 inches 
across and is 3 inches thick.

The Shetanis

Shetani is the Swahili term for "Devil". Originally carved by the Mkonde tribe in southern Tanzania and northern Mozambique.
They generally depict distorted shapes of the female form, probably from the mind of a carver who has not seen one for a while, or who may just be the epitome of the original misogynist.

This shetani is my favorite.
Beautifully carved and unique
in every aspect.
A superb piece of work
and truly a piece of art.

Most shetanis are carved from local ebony.
They vary in size from 30cms to a large one of 80cms. When questioned about the inspiration necessary to carve such a piece the answer is generally "....only after I have had much to much to drink".

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