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Unpainted Tin Hippo Ornament

Sale price$5.00 Regular price$9.00
SKU: TO-H

This smiling hippo is our newest unpainted tin ornament, made from recycled soda cans.  Did you know that hippos are the second largest mammal on earth, and are that hippo means 'river horse?' The hippo spends most of its day in the water, except when it is adding its charm to your ornament collection!  This item comes in a variety of different soda and beer cans, so your order may not match the exact can pictured here.  Enjoy a holiday decoration that is eco-friendly and directly support African artisans!

Height: 2.5"
Length: 4"
Width: 2"

Artist: Mukankha Brothers
Made In: Zimbabwe

Material

Recycled soda cans

Dimension

See product description

Product Care Instructions

Wipe clean with a dry cloth

Origin

Zimbabwe

Time to make

3 hours

Unpainted Tin Hippo Ornament  Image 1
Unpainted Tin Hippo Ornament Sale price$5.00 Regular price$9.00

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.