Wax Sculpture

This is a picture of my daughter, practicing the art that her mother introduced to her at a very young age: wax sculpture. At the top, two of the dolls she made right in front of me. On the desk’s tray there’s a large candle used to soften the white wax, which she then molds with her hands. To create these human-shaped dolls without using any tools requires lots of practice. This artistic activity is limited to crafting small objects; the aesthetic effect is enhanced by inserting needles into the wax.

It’s a family tradition—a low-key art form practiced discreetly and passed down from women to women. In Deborah’s case, her training was provided by her mother, Chrislaine, who’s truly an expert in this field.

Chrislaine’s family is also deeply involved in multicultural activities, thanks to close ties with Gabon and the centuries-old cultural heritage handed down from generation to generation by marabouts. Within this family, the women also possess extensive knowledge about African pharmacology and its many uses.

I must admit I reacted rather negatively when my daughter demonstrated this skill right in front of me. It shows just how different aesthetic tastes can be within the same family.

Deborah Petit, 2009, Google image