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Which tools did African woodcarvers use to shape sculptures and masks?
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African art
Raffia-fiber cloth, made by the Kuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, mid-20th century; in the Honolulu Academy of Arts.
African woodcarvers utilize a consistent set of tools across the continent to shape sculptures and masks. The primary tools and techniques include:1
- Axes: Used initially to fell the tree.1
- Adzes: The essential tool for the substantive work of carving. Featuring a cutting edge set at a right angle to the shaft, the adz allows the carver to remove thin shavings with remarkable speed and accuracy, often leaving slight facets on the surface that catch the light.1
- Knives: Employed for more intricate detailing and finishing work. The side of a knife may also be used to polish the surface of the sculpture.1
- Iron Rods: A pointed iron rod, when heated in a fire, is used to bore necessary holes into masks, such as those required for costume attachment or to allow the wearer to see.1
Additionally, carvers may use rough leaves to sand the surface. To achieve specific finishes, they may employ methods such as charring the wood with a red-hot knife or immersing the carving in mud to darken the surface before oiling it.1