August 25, 2008

Hand Carved Haile Selassie Bowl








I purchased this piece in Jamaica. Well of course! It was being used as a bowl to eat from by a local Rastafarian artist. I looked through his small shop at all of his wares. He was a wood carver and had many pieces to choose from.

I kept coming back to the bowl and finally, I asked if I could buy it. He hesitated. He was utilizing the bowl and he liked it a lot. It was one of his prized pieces. Hand carved on the outside of the bowl was a portrait of His Majesty the Emperor of Ethopia-Haile Selassie I. I was amazed at the detail and equally amazed at how the portrait was achieved on a round object.

We spoke for a while and later he agreed to sell it to me. I know it was hard for him to part with it because I have felt this way before about certain pieces that I have created. I have it hanging on my living room wall and I must confess, I've never used it to eat from.

1 comment:

LADY ROOTS said...

Sistren Leslie,

A piece of art or an oft-used utilitarian item always has a touch of the artist within.

Each time you look at the bowl, remember the life of the Rastafarian Idren who touched it, created it, carved it, and ate from it.

You have an artist's soul and a love for life that few people have. Always share that love with your blog readers so they can come to love you like those of us who have been blessed to know you.

Bless Up,
Lady Roots