Africa's Big 5 Lion
Our plan is to introduce all of the African Big 5 animals, each in a standing position, over the next few catalogs. We are starting with a charging elephant and ferocious lion. Each piece is hand carved in great detail from a solid piece of one of the most beautiful hardwoods in the world: what we know as Desert Ironwood (Olneya Tesota). This tree grows only in southern Arizona and California and a small area in the very northwest part of Mexico, primarily in the Sonoran Desert. Carving of this dense and beautiful wood started with the Seri Indians, a small tribe that lives in that area. Wood is gathered from naturally fallen trees and through long hours of carving, hand sanding and polishing, the beautiful burl and distinctive grain inherent to Ironwood appears.
Since these are hand carved of a natural material, there will be small differences in the wood grain and in the carving itself. Each show both a smooth polished finish and a textured finish that adds to the characteristics of the animal. Includes a Certificate of Authenticity. The lion measures 8-1/2" (front to back) and stands 7-3/8" tall. The elephant measures 10" (front to back) and stands 8 3/4" tall. Both are adhered to a desert ironwood base. Each weighs approximately 2 lbs. 10 oz. Polish with a soft cloth and occasionally apply a light coat of neutral paste-type shoe wax.
Elephant has SOLD OUT.
Africa's Big 5 Lion
