http://ammarami.com/blog Sat, 31 Jul 2010 07:44:39 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en The East African wild landscape is dotted with towering domes and pyramids whose clusters present stunning, breathtaking scenes of mud handcrafts. Built by tiny white to cream coloured insects of size range 1/4"- 3/8 inches long, these termite hills, as they are called, are impressive enough from the outside but ... http://ammarami.com/blog/?p=257 Throughout history, man has come to learn the different methods which can be used in order to manipulate different materials and use these in order to better our lives. Although some of these materials have now been replaced by modern, man made materials to manufacture many items, there are some ... http://ammarami.com/blog/?p=245 For many years, the art of wood carving from Africa is known to be one of the most beautiful, natural and unique in the world. It has maintained its huge economic and cultural importance to the people of Africa in general and to the artists in particular. This art of ... http://ammarami.com/blog/?p=238 Both hard wood carvings and soapstone sculptures are a representative of a unique art. These pieces of African handicraft have been produced for hundreds of years and are pieces of culture. They are generally produced as a representation of animals and humans, both of which are linked to the native ... http://ammarami.com/blog/?p=228 Photography is a process or art of creating still or moving pictures using a camera. It is based on the physical properties of light and requires high technology. Handicraft ,on the other hand, is the art of making utility (usable) and decorative items completely by hand or using simple tools. ... http://ammarami.com/blog/?p=200 ... http://ammarami.com/blog/?p=142 [caption id="attachment_171" align="aligncenter" width="160" caption="Zebra Wood Carving"][/caption] The first time I was introduced to a Zebra was by my artisan uncle. He showed me a wooden sculpture of a Zebra, beautifully painted with black and white stripes. I handled and examined the wood carving as he described it. Later, ... http://ammarami.com/blog/?p=127 ... http://ammarami.com/blog/?p=90 [caption id="attachment_173" align="aligncenter" width="120" caption="Maasai Wood Carving"][/caption] Decades of colonization does not appear to have had much effect on the culture of the Maasai of Kenya and Tanzania. Over 80% still live the same way they used to before the arrival of the European. One of the least affected ... http://ammarami.com/blog/?p=79 [caption id="attachment_188" align="aligncenter" width="160" caption="STARTING: An Amorphous Wood Block"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_189" align="aligncenter" width="160" caption="Carving in Progress"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_190" align="aligncenter" width="160" caption="Finishing Touches"][/caption] In a continent that generally lags behind in high technology, African handicraft has come in handy as a substitute for photography. The African uses sculptures to preserve his memories. ... http://ammarami.com/blog/?p=66