Bapaya Motamboli - Heritage Bronze Statue
Carrying everything they own, and nothing at all.
Ships within 48 hours
Product description
Bapaya Motamboli means "the foreign travelers" in Lingala. Three figures setting out together, each draped in hand-dyed fabric, each carrying their own story toward whatever comes next. A piece that honors departure, movement, and the quiet courage of those who keep walking. Handcrafted in Burkina Faso using the ancestral lost-wax casting technique. The mold is broken after casting, the patina applied entirely by hand. These sculptures are one of a kind and will never be replicated.
Dimensions
- Material: Genuine bronze (solid cast)
- Finish: Hand-patinated, softly textured (subtle artisanal variations may occur)
- Color: grey with a yellow dress (may vary slightly from piece to piece)
- Height: approx. 40 x 65cm
- Weight: approx. 16kg
- Use: Indoor display on a stable, flat surface (console, shelf, sideboard)
Shipping
Shipping & Delivery
We ship to selected destinations in North America, Europe, and Africa with UPS. Shipping rates are calculated at checkout based on your destination and order size. Additional customs duties or import taxes may apply depending on your country and remain the responsibility of the recipient.
Delivery for international customers typically takes 8 to 15 business days from the date of dispatch, depending on the destination.
For any questions regarding shipping, please email us at contact@umojastudio.fr.
Materials & Care
This object is made from bronze.
For advice on how to best care for our collections you can find our guide here.
Three Figures, One Journey
The Living Figures collection draws from the languages and living memory of African communities.This piece shows three figures standing together on a shared base, each carrying a small case, each setting out toward whatever comes next. The figure on the left reaches one arm outward as if pointing the way. The central figure leans forward, ready to move. The third stands upright, holding a larger case against his chest. All three wear short draped garments in warm ochre and amber tones that contrast with the muted earth patina beneath.
There is something deeply human about this piece, the quiet courage of people who leave home together and keep walking. A piece of west african art that honours departure, movement, and the bond between those who travel side by side.
Made by skilled artisans in Burkina Faso
Lost wax casting has been practiced across West Africa for centuries, and the artisans behind The Living Figures collection carry that tradition forward in Burkina Faso today. Each sculpture begins as a wax model, surrounded by a clay mold. Molten bronze is poured in, and the mold is broken away to reveal the form beneath.
No two pieces come out exactly the same. The warm ochre and earth tones on the garments are applied by hand after casting, layer by layer, until the color and finish feel right. The result is a bronze sculpture with real texture and depth.
The man behind UMOJA
Thed is a young Congolese entrepreneur shaped by travel and anchored in African heritage. UMOJA was created to bring that connection into the home through exceptional pieces objects that feel timeless, intentional, and deeply rooted.
More than décor, each sculpture carries a quiet presence: a reminder of origins, culture, and identity translated into modern, minimal forms that elevate a space without overpowering it.
African roots, refined into contemporary design.
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F.A.Q
What is lost wax casting?
Lost wax casting is one of the oldest metalworking techniques in the world. The artist begins by sculpting the original form in wax, which is then covered in a clay mold. When heated, the wax melts away, leaving a hollow cavity that is filled with molten bronze. Once cooled, the clay mold is broken to reveal the finished bronze statue. Because the mold is destroyed in the process, each piece can only exist once.
What inspired The Living Figures collection ?
The Living Figures collection is inspired by the stories, traditions, and identities that shape African cultures. Each piece carries a name drawn from African languages such as Lingala, Swahili, and Dogon, giving every West African bronze statue a meaning that goes beyond its form. The collection celebrates the diversity of the African continent through figures that embody community, heritage, love and everyday life. Every statue is cast by artisans in Burkina Faso using the lost wax casting technique, connecting ancient craftsmanship to contemporary art.
How are bronze statues made?
Every bronze statue in our collection is made by artisans in Burkina Faso using the traditional lost wax casting technique. The process begins with a hand-sculpted wax model, followed by mold creation, bronze pouring, and careful finishing. After casting, the patina is applied by hand, giving each statue its own tones, textures, and character. The entire process can take several weeks from start to finish.
How should I care for my bronze statue ?
Bronze is one of the most durable materials in art and requires very little maintenance. Dust your statue regularly with a soft dry cloth. Avoid using water, chemical cleaners, or abrasive materials as these can damage the patina. Keep your bronze statue away from direct sunlight for extended periods to preserve the depth of its color. Over time, the patina may evolve naturally, which adds character and authenticity to the piece.
What makes each bronze statue unique ?
Each bronze statue is cast using the lost wax casting method, which requires the mold to be completely destroyed after a single casting. This means no two statues can ever be identical. Beyond the casting process, the patina is applied by hand by artisans in Burkina Faso, creating subtle variations in color, texture, and finish that make every piece truly its own.
Where are your bronze sculptures made ?
All of our bronze sculptures are made in Burkina Faso, West Africa. They are created by master artisans who have inherited the lost wax casting technique through generations. Each piece is cast, finished, and patinated entirely by hand in their workshops. By working directly with these artisans, UMOJA supports authentic West African art and craftsmanship.
How long does a bronze statue last?
A bronze statue is built to last for centuries. Bronze is an extremely resilient metal that does not rust or deteriorate under normal indoor conditions. Many ancient bronze sculptures dating back thousands of years are still intact today in museums around the world. With minimal care, your statue will maintain its beauty for generations.
