Woodcarving Culture

Sculpture and woodcarving are embedded within the Malawi culture and family tradition. And this is also one of the Malawian culture, customs, and etiquette that may interest you. Throughout history artists along Lake Malawi have preferred working with the three dimensions of wood sculpture rather than painting or drawing, and elegant ebony, wood, and soapstone sculptures. Carving skills are passed down from father to son. Sculptures vary from carved plaques of African scenes to decadent chief chairs – made with exceptional craftsmanship.

The main focus of Malawian art is the human figure. This emerged in early rock paintings and is still a popular subject among woodcarvers today. Many artists in Chitimba and other waterfront towns began carving trinkets for passing trade with the introduction of tourism, and the carvings are prized by tourists. Lake Malawi is the second-largest lake in Africa and the fourth-largest in the world. Tourists visiting the lake delight in the woodcarvers’ traditional representations and the beautiful hardwood they are made from.