SKU: HD.WT.CS.S.A
The unique scrimshaw art decorated African Wildlife theme wine opener continues the Nineteenth century handiwork created by whalers using whalebone and ivory. Today whale and elephant ivory are banned by international treaty; Zimbabwean scrimshanders apply the art to upper jaw warthog tusks. A brass screw is epoxy glued into a pre-drilled hole in the tusk which is the handle.
Makes an excellent bar or table decoration and gift for almost anyone. Similar scrimshaw art openers sell for between $100 and $150 in the USA. We are able to offer them at moderate prices by contracting directly with the scrimshanders in Bulawyo at fair trade prices.
No two openers, however similar in style, even by the same scrimshander, are the same; each one is an original, unique, museum quality work of art. Being handcrafted from natural materials some natural minor imperfections such as dentine staining and fractures may be anticipated that add rather than detract from the beauty of the corkscrew. Photographs titled 'Generic' and A through E are generic, the actual opener you receive will be a similar pattern or design but could be a slightly different tusk size, shape, and color.
DESIGNS:
Generic = elephant
A = leopard
B = lion
C = rhinoceros
D = warthog
E = zebra
If you would like to select the corkscrew you are buying and quantity is two or more write yes in the box titled Send photos. A small administration fee to cover labor will apply and photographs of what is available will be sent to you for your selection.
The Shona stone sculptors of Zimbabwe are world famous; however, there are many other talented artisans in the country, such as scrimshanders, producing a wide range of sustainable crafts and products that are both unique and original. These products are centered in Bulawayo and surrounding Ndebele tribal area in the west of the landlocked country. The tusk artifacts are imported under US Wildlife and Fisheries permit (available on request) and inspection. Trading in wildlife is well regulated in Zimbabwe. Raw material is obtained from National Park Board auctions and professional commercial hunting concessions sales; some may be from auctions of seized property evidence from completed court cases.
NO WARTHOG WAS INTENTIONALLY HARMED TO MAKE THE PRODUCT. The tusks are a by-product of the Wildlife industry. The Southern Warthog (Phacochoerus africanus sundevallii) is plentiful throughout southern Africa and not an engandered (protected) species.
NB The tusks are seasonal and the prices quoted and availability are for the end of the hunting season. Should a style be sold out, the quantity reads backordered instead of a quantity for that specific product. A similar product i.e. color, size, design or pattern can be ordered (click on the backordered link for details). If backorder not wanted, remove the item/s from the shopping cart or at checkout.
Nhira 
Kwaze-Kwasa [USA] Inc. 
