This small Tree of Life design is 21cm in diameter and has the same detail as the larger pieces. A high-gloss protective finish makes the piece suitable for hanging indoors or out. Using steel drums that transported liquids, artisans in Croix des Bouquets, Haiti stencil elaborate designs on flattened drums and cut and emboss the pieces into fantastic wall art.
More Information
This beautiful Tree of Life depiction is a popular design. The piece is approximately 21 cm in diameter and features the artisan's name etched on the back. The recycled metal has a natural patina that will vary from piece to piece. Please allow for slight variations in the design due to the fact that the item is handmade and each artisan adds his flair to the piece. To ensure the piece hangs flat, there is no hook on the back. The piece would hang on a nail through one of the cut outs.
A colourful and informative artisan story card is included, providing details about the life, goals, and work of the artisans responsible for creating this hand-crafted, fair trade product.
Artisan
We met Eugene Jacques and Carlos Brutus in Croix des Bouquet, an area of Port-Au-Prince, Haiti known for artisans who make oil drum art. The constant hammering from the sheds in the area led us to beautiful metalwork, with each stop offering new designs. Eugene?s shed was tucked behind several others and yielded unique three-dimensional masks with cogs and bicycle chains for earrings. Round pieces of art filled Carlos? walls depicting trees of life, voodoo creatures, and natural subjects. The Diaspora of Haitians has spread the designs and skills of Oil Drum art throughout the Caribbean but the art is truly Haitian. Old oil drums are no longer readily available and are imported into Haiti by container and sold to the artisans. Even though cheaper, more readily available steel sheets could be used, artisans rely on the used drums for the patina in their art.
What is Fair Trade
Global Crafts is a member of the Fair Trade Federation and the World Fair Trade Organization. Fair trade is an approach to business and to development based on dialogue, transparency, and respect that seeks to create greater equity in the international trading system. Fair Trade Organizations put artisans and farmers at the heart of every decision they make. Members of the Fair Trade Federation are screened against the Nine Principles of Fair Trade. These principles are: Create Opportunities for Marginalized Producers, Develop Transparent Relationships, Build Capacity for Producers, Promote Fair Trade, Pay Promptly and Fairly, Support Empowering Working Conditions, Ensure Children?s Rights, Cultivate Environmental Stewardship and Respect Cultural Identity. In order to become a member of the Fair Trade Federation, businesses must demonstrate a full commitment to every principle. Global Crafts is a member of the Fair Trade Federation; for more information visit www.FairTradeFederation.org.