MOTHER IN WAITING

This endearing sculpture of an expectant mother highlights the love a mother feels for her baby even before birth. The perfect gift for a mom-to-be. Handcrafted by artisans in west Africa using the lost wax method. Each piece may vary slightly. 
- Handcrafted in Burkina Faso
- Bronzed brass
- 4.5"L x 2.25"W x 6.5"H


THE LOST WAX METHOD
Our elegantly transcendent Burkinabe cast metal sculptures are handcrafted by our partner artisans in Burkina Faso, who do their daily work under a breezy metal canopy. In this outdoor studio, a small team of artists produce beautiful pieces using the lost wax metal casting method.
Initially, a wax model of each piece is made from softened wax. The smallest details of the figure are carved into the wax and the details of the folds and swirls of the frocks and headdresses are finely crafted. These details will result in one-of-a kind sculptures.
When the wax figure is finished to the wax artist’s satisfaction, another team member surrounds the figure in wet clay. Layers of clay are built slowly to ensure no bubbles or inclusions, and an exit port is shaped. Once the clay has air dried, the piece is placed in a fire. Firing hardens the clay mold and melts the wax which drains out of the exit port.
A third artist will heat brass until it liquefies and then pour the liquid brass into the clay mold. Pouring the liquid brass is an exacting process as the artist must ensure that bubbles are not produced and that the brass fills every part of the clay mold. Once the mold is filled with molten brass it is put aside until the metal is fully hard.
A fourth team member cuts away the clay mold to reveal a shiny brass figure. If necessary, tiny imperfections are filed off with fine rasps. If the piece fails the quality check, it is liquefied for another sculpture. The artist will then bronze the figure and color the frock and headdress. When an artist wants the jewelry on a piece to stand out, they will leave the brass untouched.
From small dancing ladies to elegant mothers, these one-of-a kind lost wax sculptures are simply gorgeous.

With every product you purchase, you are helping provide employment, educational opportunities and medical care to artisans in Burkina Faso