In the village of Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti, the air rings with the sound of metal banging against metal. Workshops line the streets of the village and outside each are stacks of discarded 55-gallon drums awaiting transformation. To begin the process, the tops of the barrels are removed and the open barrel is stuffed with straw and dried banana leaves and then set ablaze. This burns out the residue and old paint and strengthens the metal. After the barrels have cooled, they are slit down the side, pried open, pounded flat and sanded down, giving the artist a smooth flat surface, much like a painter’s canvas. The artist chalks his design onto the metal and then, using a hammer and chisel, begins the work of cutting the sculpture and giving it form, detail and dimension. When he is satisfied with his results, he pounds his signature onto the sculpture and seals it with a protective, weather-proof finish. It's easy to hang your sculpture with just a few nails. Place the first nail within two design elements that are touching or notched. Then use a second and possibly a third nail, if the sculpture is large, to straighten and secure the piece against the wall. You want the nails to "disappear" into the sculpture - and they will. Like magic...Haitian metal sculptures all come with a clear, weather-proof coating but if exposed to the elements, they will begin to rust over time. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but if it's not the look you're going for, fear not. Just pick up a can of spray on enamel clear coat and go to it. Once a year will do it. Piece of cake!
B**S
Beautiful, and as described
It felt good to give a gift crafted by people who really need the work, out of repurposed materials. It came with a brochure explaining the company and the crafting process. It was exactly the dimensions described, nicely made, and signed by the artist. I gave it to my mother for her birthday, and she loves it. Now I need to buy another for myself.
K**Y
WOW
Love it! such detail. If you can not decide, buy it anyway
L**E
Nice quality
Beautiful piece. Very nice weight but not too heavy. My friend loved it. And reasonable pricing compared to other ones I’ve seen.
A**L
I absolutely love it!
Truth is you never know what you might be getting when you order something online and trust me I have received items that looked nothing like the picture shown. The Steel Drum, however is exactly as depicted and I could not be more pleased. It is exactly what I was looking for and the craftsmanship of the Haitians is something to be admired. They did an amazing job with this Tree of Life. It's a definite eye-catcher!
D**W
anniversary gift
Bought this for my son's 10 year wedding anniversary. The traditional gift is tin or aluminum so this was close enough. The tree of life is so beautiful and a great symbol for family and life. Plus that the project benefits a community in Haiti is great. The detail is beautiful. I am going to double check a measurement and might order the larger one to hang outside over an entrance.
K**R
Great craftsmanship
It was a gift for my best friend. She loves it. Sturdy and beautiful.
J**C
looks great
I like thesewe bought two of themThey look nice and seem to be made well
J**.
Beautiful Addition to my Patio, I have received multiple comments
I was looking for something unique for my back patio and love this decoration. It has made a perfect addition to my area and I have already have several of my neighbors compliment me on how stunning it is.
Trustpilot
3 weeks ago
1 month ago
