ArtFire

Melwasul's design was first pyroengraved, then painted with acrylics. He was embellished with wood beads and rafia and comes ready to hang.

Melwasul is approx. 10"high by 11"wide (25.4cm x 27.9cm)

Melwasul was created with half of a bottle gourd (see picture #4)

After the outside shell of the gourd is scrubbed clean of mold and dirt, the gourd is cut in half, then each half has to have all of the seeds and fiber removed.

Once cleaned, the inside is sanded until smooth with good old fashioned elbow grease and a progression of sandpapers from rough to fine. These necessary steps can take up to an entire day to complete.

After those steps are completed I sketch a loose design onto the gourd's shell. From there, I cut out the eyes and mouth with an xacto knife. Then the burning and painting begin.

If you live outside of the U.S. and interested in this mask, please contact me for a quote and, at that time, we can make sure it will not be restricted by customs.

gourd, rafia, wooden beads, leather dye, acrylics, dremel, sandpaper, xacto knife