14 “Dancing Birds” In One Stone

Kenya Mon 08-02-2010

14 “Dancing Birds” In One Stone
Text by Andrew Njoroge/africancolours.com

For eight months a group of five stone sculptors from Kisii (Western Kenya) led by the world famous artists Elkana Ong’esa carved a three by three metre granite rock that is now christened the “Dancing birds.”

The thirty tonne sculpture made from one of the rigid stones in Kenya is to be presented to the people of the United States of America in appreciation for their efforts in restoring peace in Kenya after the violent aftermath of the 2007 Presidential elections.

'Dancing Bird' by Elkana Ong'esa

^{'Dancing Bird' - Front profile | Granite | 2010}

The granite rock known as Wanjere in the local dialect was excavated from the Nyathoto quarry in Bogiakumu in Bonchari constituency South Kisii district.

“This is a gift to the people of America. We are acknowledging and appreciating the big role in restoring peace in the country after the 2007 elections,” said Elkana Ong’esa.

“The carving of 14 birds in one reflects interdependence. Kenyans should share resources and must live in peace,” said Ong’esa.

'Dancing Bird' by Elkana Ong'esa

School children admire 'The Dancing Birds' stone scuplture to be presented to the US Embassy.

He paid tribute to the international community but insisted that that they reserved the ‘Dancing Birds’ for the United States. The stone sculpture will be displayed in front of the United States Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya.

“We shall display the sculpture outside the Embassy as a reminder of the chaos, a celebration of peace that we achieved and as a symbol of hope for the future,” said US Ambassador Michael Ranneberger upon receiving the sculpture on behalf of the American government in a ceremony held in Kisii.

'Dancing Bird' by Elkana Ong'esa

The giant sculpture is set to be transported to Nairobi by road with stopovers in some of the worst affected areas during the violence like Nakuru, Kisumu, Naivasha and finally Uhuru Park in Nairobi before it is taken to the Embassy of the United States.

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Aditional reporting: Angwenyi Gichana-The Star Newspaper

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Your Comments

Fanny-Min Becker: Magnificent sculpture wonderfully captured in the photos, especially the second one. A thing of Beauty is a Joy forever. Thank you so much, dear Elkana, and your team from Kisii!