Umoja Elephant Set
$250.00
- Heights
- Approx. 5, 6, 10 and 12 cm
- Weight
- Approx. 0.7 kg
- Material
- Hand-carved wood from the Congo
- Finish
- Matte black, finished by hand
- Edition
- Set of four elephants
- Made in
- Pointe-Noire, Republic of the Congo
Delivery
- Shipped with UPS, tracked from the day it leaves
- To North America, Europe and Africa
- At your door in 8 to 15 business days
- Shipping calculated at checkout, duties may apply
Returns
- 14 days from delivery to change your mind
- Write to contact@umojastudio.fr and we guide you
Handmade
- Carved by hand in Pointe-Noire, Republic of the Congo
- Slight variations in grain and shape
Talk to an advisor
- Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM
- Or write to contact@umojastudio.fr
Umoja
Unity, in Swahili.
UMOJA means unity in Swahili. It is the name of our studio, and no piece carries it better than this one: a family of four elephants, from the tallest to the smallest, walking together.
Each one is carved by hand in Pointe-Noire, in Congo-Brazzaville, from 12 centimetres for the eldest to 5 for the youngest. Their trunks are raised, a sign of good fortune in many traditions, and the matte black finish lets the shape of every ear and every fold speak.
Line them up on a shelf, scatter them across a coffee table, or give them to someone who is starting a family of their own. Together, they say what our name means.
From tree to home
In Pointe-Noire, in Congo-Brazzaville, each piece is shaped by hand, from a raw block of wood to its final form.
- Fig. 0101
Choosing the wood
The carver chooses a block with a tight, even grain and no cracks. Everything that follows depends on this choice.
- Fig. 0202
Roughing out
With an adze, the first volumes appear, one cut at a time. The shape is still hidden inside the block.
- Fig. 0303
Carving the details
Knives and small gouges take over: the curve of the trunk, the fold of the ears, the weight of each foot. Four sizes, four characters.
- Fig. 0404
Sanding by hand
The patient part: the surface is sanded by hand, again and again, until the wood feels soft under the fingers.
- Fig. 0505
The finish
A deep matte black is rubbed in by hand, letting the texture of the wood speak. The piece is ready to leave the workshop.
FAQ
Is it solid wood?
Yes. Each piece is carved by hand from solid wood, then sanded and finished by hand. It is light, and sturdy enough for everyday life on a shelf or a table.
How do I care for it?
Dust it with a soft, dry cloth. Keep it away from water, direct sunlight and heat sources such as radiators, which can dry the wood. A touch of beeswax once a year keeps the finish deep.
Why does mine look slightly different from the photos?
Because every piece is carved by hand, the grain, the shape and the finish vary slightly from one to the next.
How is it shipped?
Carefully packed and shipped with UPS, tracked from the day it leaves.
