Art Work

Ancient Trade and Symbolism: Ebony has been highly prized for millennia as a symbol of wealth, power, and elegance. Ancient Egyptians imported ebony from further usouth in Africa and used it for royal furnishings, decorative objects, and tomb artifacts. Today, ebony is one of the world's most expensive woods, used primarily for small, high-value items like musical instrument parts (clarinets, oboes, guitar fingerboards), chess pieces, and decorative carvings, reflecting its enduring value and scarcity. Senegal Context: African blackwood is native to Senegal, as well as countries like Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. Historically, the wood was used by local artisans for carving and has become a common material for tourist-trade figural art. Traditional African Uses: Beyond trade, ebony and African blackwood have cultural significance in various African communities. For example, some groups believe keeping a piece of mpingo (African blackwood) in the house brings peace and strength. It has been traditionally used for carving sculptures and religious artifacts. Ebene wood