Sanaa Art Gallery

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                   loyce Kilmala (50) was born in Dr es Salaam of

Mozambiquen immigrant parents.  He learned his carving art from his father and grandfather who were mask makers.  The Mapiko dance is an exclusive men affair among the Makonde people.  The ritual dance, once used to exorcise demons (used typically in response to the Portuguese colonial rulers) utilize the drums ngoma, horn lupembe and mask.  The carved painted wooden masks identifies the performer’s event or person while protecting their identity.

In the 1950’s Dar es Salaam missionaries helped organize a performance group and persuaded some to carve Jesus and Mary to aid in their evangelical efforts.  Soon items popular for tourists were carved to sell long side the performances.

Aloyce learned to make these small items from his grandparents and father.  He was able to complete primary/standard level school, but never attended a Makonde caring school as none exist.  He started carving at the age of 9.  He lost his teachers early: his grandfather at age of 11, his father when he was 25.  His mother lives in Dar es Salaam.  He taught his younger brothers Bernard, Charles and Herman, who has since died.

Aloyce is starting his first commission for the Gibb’s Farm permanent art collection. 

“Art Art Art Art Art Art Art Art Art quote quote quote quote quote quote quote quote quote quote quote quote quote quote quote .” 

The Mpingo African Blackwood (ebony) tree has long been over-harvested across the continent to obtain its dark, lustrous heartwood.  The wood is greatly

prized by carvers.  

Although African Blackwood is still relatively abundant in South-East Tanzania, illegal logging is widespread, and very poor, forest-dependent communities generally receive little benefit from logging on the land around their villages.

According to Tanzania law sellers of Ebony Wood require:

1. Certified source of Mpingo
   

2. Trader and Dealer in Forestry Produce Registration
   

Gibb’s Farm Makonde carvings are ethically produced and sold.

The Sanaa Art Gallery is registered, the wood certified.  Much of the merchandise available in the Gibb’s Farm gift shop supports the community. 

Most sellers of hard woods and Makonde carvings in our area are not registered nor is their ebony wood certified.  Please help us set the example of responsibility

and sustainability.

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