Bone & Wood Fork

Wood Carvers of Kenya

Kenyan wood carvers are recognized worldwide for expertly sculpting art from native woods using sustainable practices. The olive wood tree is sacred to Kenyans and appreciated worldwide for its beautiful grain patterns and durability. Kenyan carvers present the beauty of their natural world in finely crafted decorative and functional art. The artisans, their families and communities benefit greatly from the sale of olive wood products.
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THE TECHNIQUE

We are proud to work with many talented wood carvers and artisans from around the world. Some of their beautiful products we carry include olive wood serving platters, acacia wood bowls, and wood sitting shelf animals. Through each handcrafted piece, these talented artisans are able to gain a sustainable income while continuing traditional practices. We love that each artisan group has a unique approach to sourcing and carving the wood.

The Little Market currently partners with two artisan groups in Kenya: Wood Carvers of Kenya and Acacia Creations. Artisans at Wood Carvers of Kenya are hand-carving fair trade pieces from African wild olive. Olive wood is a rich, warm wood that is prized for its durability and beautiful grain patterns. The olive wood tree is sacred to Kenyans, who are recognized worldwide for their expert ability to craft functional and beautiful art from the natural elements. When the wood carvers have an assortment of items to work on, they can efficiently use each evergreen tree.
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Kenya

Kenya has a population of more than 35 million people comprising of 42 ethnic groups, each with its own language and culture, as well as Asian, Arab and European Communities, which makes for a fascinating mix of traditions and cultures. Kenya’s multifaceted culture is expressed in different forms, from its people and language, food, music and dance, art, artifacts, theatre and literature to its ethnic values and ethical norms.

Kenya is among the world’s 30 poorest countries, ranking 145 out of 185 countries on the 2012 Human Development Index, and more than one-half of the country’s population lives below the poverty line on less than US $1 a day. Years of drought in this region have had a serious impact on the well-being of children, increasing malnutrition rates, morbidity and mortality.
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Fair Trade Products

Fair Trade is an approach to international trade centered around equitable partnerships, transparency and respect. It seeks to empower marginalized producers by providing them safe working conditions, fair pay, and a means to establish a sustainable business free from exploitation. As a member of the Fair Trade Federation, we are committed to the Fair Trade principles.
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