Calabash Decoration and Wood carving

Gourds or Calabashes whether decorated or not, basically fulfill practical functions in the daily activities of the Fulani family. Cut into contains of various shapes and sizes, they are used for serving foods and drinks, for milking cattle and are carriers vessels. However, the decorated ones have additional value. They are highly prized objects of prestigious and aesthetic value. Used has containers for food and drink they

embellish the service; as tools in the thereby performing some economic functions. They are also an extension of the seller's appearance.

Calabashes are engraved with a combination of abstract and figural motifs and colored with pigments. In the cow-centered Fulani culture, milk bowls are also important objects for the household. They are used as storage containers for fresh, curdled milk and grains. An artifact, symbol of the pastoral life and of the cooperation between men who keep the herd and women who milk the cows, the la'al kosam encapsulates Fulani identity. Because of their delicate chiseling, smoke-derived patina, and exquisite decorative treatment, bowls and calabashes could be considered as the true focus of aesthetic efforts of the Fulani people. The decorations on the calabashes are the Fulani only graphic expressions, the truest representation of the artistic skill and vision.

Wooden masks and figures are not widespread in Fulani society. However The caste of lawbe is specialized in woodcarving. They make elaborate figurines and furniture which they sell in the tourist market. West Africa is home to many master wood carvers. They use simple hand tools to produce incredible works of art. Wood carvings are hand crafted from ebony or other hard wood trees. Ebony is an exceptionally hard and beautiful wood found in the Sahara desert regions of Africa. Its exceptional density makes it not only very heavy, but also gives it an incomparable sheen when

polished. Ebony normally is brown on the outside of the tree; and black on the inside.The carvings often come as a beautiful mixture of black and brown; as well as the pure black wood that is most well known. Each has its own special beauty. Like any wood, ebony is subject to drying and cracking: especially in dry climates