Height Range - 55.5”-69.5”

Hand-carved out of a single piece of wood, and placed on a pedestal, all designs are unique. Symmetrical cut-outs in lower part of stele indicate hips of the abstracted human representation.

The Giriama people of Kenya hold onto their ancestral beliefs and are known for their tradition of carved wooden posts and commemorative sculptures - also called kikangu.

By honoring the energy and presence of "koma", or ancestor spirits, these grave posts also fulfill an important role as mediators between the world of the living and the spirit realm. The abstract and geometric forms of kikangu serve as a diagrammatic representation of a spirit.

Please note that many of our handmade items are one of a kind, perfectly imperfect, vintage and have indigenous repair work which we believe adds to the intrinsic value and beauty of the items. No two items are exactly the same. As a result, our website photos are a close representation of the items available, but may not be identical to the ones you receive. If you prefer to select an exact item, please notify us at info@thewanderlane.com and we will send photos of what we have in stock.

Small (Light brown) - 8” x 9.5”

Medium (Brown) - 10” x 9.5”

Tonga stools are among hundreds of stools still being used in rural African villages. These particular stools are named after the Tonga people who originated in South Africa and overtime migrated north. Traditionally, only the head of the household could own and take his place on a Tonga stool.

These small stools with their sharp geometric designs have been carved by hand from a solid piece of wood. The Tonga people carve these stools with portability in mind, as they would take their own seating when attending weddings, funerals and ceremonies in neighbouring villages. Stack them, display them.

These sell out fast and we do get more in stock. If interested, please send us an email and we can send photos of our current options and invoice you via direct email. Please reach out: Info@thewanderlane.com

36” x 24”

Black and White photographic portrait of Himba Chief, Kaokoland, Namibia

By David Ballam
Limited Edition, hand signed & embossed
Printed on Tecco PM230 Paper
Framed: Ash finish, art glass

Fine art shipping available - please contact us directly for a quote to ship to your area. Los Angeles area pickup/delivery available. 

Lake Turkana lies within the Kenyan Rift Valley and is the world’s largest permanent desert lake. For me, however, it is the people that inhabit the region that are most inspiring and intriguing. With customs, traditions, beliefs and beauty as deep as the lakes waters, the people – and landscape - of Lake Turkana left me reeling in insignificance.
–David Ballam, Photographer