The humble community of Tabaka, Kenya is driven by a simple yet admirable mantra: arambee moto, which signifies a unity between them. And they sure do practice what they preach.
In order to create an array of intricate sculptures, the diverse skills of its villagers must be combined. Miners travel to a number of surrounding quarries to chisel away chunks of kisii stone by hand. Once these pieces are transported back into town, local artisans skillfully carve them into gracefully sinuous depictions of people and various forms of wildlife. The women of Tabaka then contribute their delicate touch by sandwashing and polishing these beautiful figures until they gleam. Finished products like the Parent and Child statue, the Friendship candleholder and the Unity candleholder reflect the honorable values that these industrious workers hold dear. (Available at Ten Thousand Villages for $20- $38.)