These elegant bronze sculptures are created by the Burkinabe artist Hamed Nikiema.
The artist begins by sculpting in wax. This is covered with a mixture of clay and manure and allowed to dry. The mold is then fired, melting the wax, which runs out through small openings. The molten metal alloy is then poured into the mold, replacing the wax. Once the metal has cooled, the mold is broken to release the sculpture, and the final details are finished by hand. Each piece is therefore completely unique.
