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Tiny Tin Praying Mantis

Tiny Tin Praying Mantis

Sale price$10.00
SKU: PTI-PM

The praying mantis was a symbol of God to the African bushmen. They believed it was a manifestation of God, and when they saw one, they tried to discern its message. The word "mantis" comes from the Greek word for "prophet," and is a reference to mystical or spiritual powers. The praying mantis relates to stillness, quiet, calm, patience and balance. Old tin cans and other scraps of metal from businesses in the industrial area of Harare are turned into these delightful sculptures by these artists using snips, pliers, and hammers.


Height: 3.5"
Length: 4"
Width: 1.5"
Artist:  Joseph Thomas, painted by Yuekai Tanyara
Made In: Zimbabwe

Material

Recycled tin cans and scrap metal

Dimension

See product description

Product Care Instructions

Wipe clean with a dry cloth

Origin

Zimbabwe

Time to make

4 hours

meet the maker

Metal Sculptors of Zimbabwe

📍Harare, Zimbabwe

" A remarkable story of creativity, resilience, and generational craftsmanship"

Founded in 1986 by the five Mukankha brothers, the Improved Arts Metal Sculptors Project is a remarkable story of creativity, resilience, and generational craftsmanship. Through their artistic talent, the brothers built a sustainable livelihood that allowed them to provide opportunities for their families that they themselves did not have growing up.

Using simple hand tools—snips, pliers, and hammers—they transform sheets of tin into playful sculptural creatures full of character and charm. Each piece is then individually hand-painted in vibrant patterns by artists from Zimbabwe’s Weya community, making every sculpture a truly one-of-a-kind work of art. While some of the founding brothers have since passed, the legacy continues through Norman and Moses, who now mentor the next generation of younger family members, ensuring this distinctive craft continues to thrive.