Mexican Art - Oaxaca Woodcarving - Los Alebrijes by Jacobo Angeles

Jacobo أپngeles (born 1973), learned from his father the art of woodcarving at the young age of 12. Jacob acquired further knowledge from old masters of woodcarving from San Martin Tilcajete Zapotec villages. His wife, Marأ­a (b. 1977) also from an artistic family, is responsible for the detailed painting of the figures. Other family members support both of them during varied procedures, which are necessary to complete the uniqueness of the copal. The wood carving of أپngeles is a major component of many galleries and private collections. Some were already exhibited in museums in Tokyo, San Francisco and Chicago.

The wood carving goes back to pre-hispanic roots in the Oaxaca region. Jacobo and Maria want to preserve their art heritage of the great Zapotecs. In their Reportoire one finds mostly animal figures, which point mostly to Zapote calendrical and mythological significance. They include for example the Jaguar, the Iguana, a Rabbit, a Frog and a tortoise, but also animal figures which can be actualized according to customer demand. All figures distinguish themselves through unique attitudes and body language.

They are polished and refined with the finest painting of natural colors. Maria developed a unique style reflecting the Zapotec culture. The basis of her figures is the wood of the copal. Preferably the wood of the female trees, since the wood is well suited for figures made of one piece of wood. After beating the wood, it is relatively soft and can be formed relatively easily with non mechanical tools such as machetes and sichels. After several days a "rawfigure" emerges and now is inserted for several hours into a special tincture consisting of gasoline and insecticide, in order to make any "blind passengers", such as wood worms harmless. Thereafter follows a drying process in the Oaxaca sun for several months. This produces many fine cracks in the wood. With a paste made of fine sawdust they are carefully filled. Of course the flour has to be smoked first.

What follows are several weeks of painting of the figures. Original Colors are used from fruits, vegetables, tree bark and clay but also insects, such as the red pigment of blood Kaktuslaus (cochineal), all of which form the basis.

Jacobo holds in his hand some of the dried and powdered bark of the male copal. A dash of lime juice shows it is a soft brown. A true black is created by adding lime. Add a little baking powder and lime juice and the color changes to a bright yellow. Add more baking powder and there is a bright magenta.

A new base is created through crushed seeds of the pomegranate. And add a little lime it creates a green. Jacobo mixed the green with the Magena, and receives a deep blue. Add some zinc and it turns gray. Even more zinc and the gray turns white. The fermented and powdered corn fungus called huitlacoche, a delicacy in Mexico, has a beautiful ocher color and the dried and crushed cactus lice bring out various vibrant reds.

To prevent the fading of these bright colors, the natural colors are mixed with a tincture of Copalharz and honey. This gives the objects a gentle glow. Acquiring an object from the factory "Angeles", you are assured a top quality acquisition of great appreciation in value.

Whittling - So You Want to Whittle Wood

Whittling has been around for many hundreds of years. All the way back to the days of cavemen. One could say that it is because we began to whittle that technology began. It was the shaping of wood, after all-after the discovery of sharp edges-that sparked human imagination to make carts, cooking implements and clothes, weapons for hunting and methods of food gathering. Who would've thought?

So you want to whittle wood. Good for you. Whittling is the simple removal of pare shavings or cutting small bits from a piece of wood with a knife. No more, no less. So what does it take to become a good whittler?

To become a good whittler, you'll need to know several things. How to choose the correct type of wood for a particular type of knife is what you'll need to know. You'll want to know some basic whittling techniques and just a bit about maintenance and storage.

Choosing the Wood.

- Soft woods are best for whittling. Pine cuts very easily but isn't able to hold detail well. Basswood and Balsa are also very popular.

- Birch, cedar and maple aren't considered to be soft woods but they are often used for whittling.

- When selecting wood for whittling, rely on two things: a straight grain and uniform color. A straight grain is usually a softer wood than crossed grains. Because changes in color usually mean changes in hardness, you'll want to avoid this. When all else fails, press down on the wood with your thumbnail and rely on that to tell you how hard it is.

- If whittling wood is difficult to purchase, you could check your local lumberyard for a scrap bin. You just might find a treasure trove.

Choosing the Knife. There is no one specific type or brand of knife that is best for whittling. Mostly, it's a matter of comfort.

- Avoid stainless steel knives. It isn't easy to sharpen them correctly. Even when you do, they usually can't hold a very sharp edge for too long. This is very inefficient and entirely avoidable.

- Most whittlers like small knives that fit in the palm of your hand. Others like pocket knives, switchblade knives or folding knives (with lockable blades) that can be opened with one hand. Comfort and portability rule.

- Special whittling knives have short plump handles that give you an easier grip and better control. And because whittling involves extended periods, this is really great for precision and control.

- You can find whittling knives is special kits. These kits may have several knives, each with a different edge shape. Or the kit might have a knife handle and several differently shaped blade edges that are interchangeable. Different edges allow for much better maneuverability.

- When you're ready to buy one, shop around. Test them out. Don't rush this process. It'll make all the difference when you're ready to begin.

Safety Tips.

- You'll be working with a small piece of wood and a small knife. First thing then is the knife. It should be balanced and have light weight. More than anything else, it must be comfortable in your hand. If it doesn't feel right in any way, keep looking.

- Wear gloves. Think of it this way, if you cut your hands or fingers, you're done. You won't be able to whittle at all until it heals. Wear them, at least until you've developed some real skill at handling the knife.

- Be in a good frame of mind. Or at least a reasonably good frame of mind. If you are the type of person who becomes aggressive when upset, it's probably not a good idea to whittle at that time. (Imagine losing a finger!)

Basic Whittling Techniques. It goes without saying but you've got to be sure. Keep fingers and all other body parts away from knife edges. Take no chances.

- When gripping your knife, your thumb should be against the spine with the edge facing your fingers.

- Each knife stroke you make should be away from your body. Never stroke towards your body. You know you're just asking for it.

- The hand holding the knife should be further from your body than the hand holding the piece of wood.

- Lock your wrists for better control.

- Tuck your elbows into your sides to limit free movement.

Whittling Recommendations.

- Use a wide-beveled knife edge to cut soft wood or semi-soft wood. Conversely, use a narrow-beveled knife edge to cut hardwood. When you need a strong edge to cut hardwood, the more narrow the bevel, the stronger the cutting edge.

- When you're done for the day, clean and dry your knives. A light coating of lubricant is recommended for your knife blades. Linseed oil is recommended for your wood handles. Take care of your knives and they could last your lifetime.

- If your knives don't already have a case, store them in a way that protects their edges. Be sure that wherever they are, it's safe and secure. Only you should be able to get to them.

- If you decide to use more tools than just a knife, you'll be entering the world of detailed wood carving. Just clarifying that for you.

Sharpening Your Knife.

- Factory-made whittling knives are often unsharpened. This is preferable to a sharpened knife because dedicated whittlers prefer to make their own sharpening angles.

- You can use any of various coarse grade sharpening stones or a ceramic steel to create the cutting angles.

- A diamond slipstone or a diamond pocket file are great portables for times when you're on the go. Or you can use them for quick touch-ups on your edges.

- You'll need a strop to remove the burr and all micro-bits from a properly sharpened knife. This improves the whittling process and delays further sharpening. If you prefer, a honing compound and honing board will also get that edge smooth.

- If you haven't learned how to sharpen a knife and maintain its edge, these are among the first things you should learn. You'll be more independent and as efficient as possible.

Whittling is an ancient craft. It's wonderfully contemplative and could even be spiritually meditative. It is the journey that matters more than the end result. If you have no care to rush, if you want to take your time and see what happens, what're you waiting for?

Tahiti Culture - Rich and Vibrant Multiethnic Culture

Culture in Tahiti

Tahiti has a rich and vibrant multiethnic culture, with some of the friendliest people in the South Pacific. The population of Tahiti is made up of mainly Polynesians, with Europeans and Chinese comprising around 12% and 5 % of the general populace respectively. While not much is known about the exact history of this gorgeous French Polynesian island, what is known is that Tahiti was formed roughly 3 million years ago by a series of volcanic eruptions.

Historians believe that the other smaller islands of French Polynesia such as Raiatea and the Marquesas were initially settled on by Polynesians from Tonga and Samoa in 300 AD. Till now, no historical documents or logs have been found to help prove when Tahiti was first inhabited. It is thought that people from Raiatea migrated to Tahiti and its surrounding islands around 800 AD, 500 years after they settled in this region. The first European to discover Tahiti was an Englishman by the name of Captain Samuel Wallis in 1767.

A warm and friendly people, you can see the rich culture of Tahiti in its music, dance, handicrafts and traditional festivals. Influenced by their Maohi ancestors, Tahitians today take a great deal of pride in maintaining their ancient heritage especially through the passing down of legends and gods. Visit a traditional marae, which is similar to a temple to see how Tahitians of ancient times would worship, celebrate and commemorate important times in their lives.

Culture in Tahiti - Music and Dance

Music and dance both play a very significant role in the lives of Tahitians. Preformed since ancient times most of the dances tell legends and stories of the past. Dance is an important part of Tahitian culture and is a way of expressing joy, happiness, greetings, war, peace, prayer and seduction. Tahitian music uses a lot of percussion style instruments like drums, shells and flutes. Thoroughly enjoyable, the music is hypnotic and is often accompanied with graceful and nimble dance movements.

Culture in Tahiti- Handicrafts

Throughout French Polynesia and in Tahiti as well, the sculpture and wood carving are superb. Tikis, bowls, pestles and mortars and spears are usually carved by hand from wood and stone with beautiful and intricate designs. Basket and hat weaving is also a popular handicrafts here, as are the making of colorful blankets known as tifaifai, fragrant oils known as monoi, tapas and hand made pareus or sarongs.

Culture in Tahiti - Tattoos

Tattoos are a vital part of a Tahitians life with both men and women, the young and the old, having numerous tattoos adorning their bodies. In fact the word tattoo has its origins in Tahiti. In Tahitian culture tattoos symbolize community, social status, beauty and bravery, while warriors tattooed themselves to terrify their enemies. Still practiced today, when you visit Tahiti you will find many Polynesians men and women sporting intricate and magnificent tattoos all over their bodies.