About carving . . . . .
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Bone Carving
Bone carving is a craft which has been
practiced since before recorded history by many cultures. Ancient peoples
produced items from bone which were functional such as weapons, fish hooks,
arrowheads and sewing needles for animal skins. Probably just as ancient is the
ornamental fashioning of animal bone, teeth and horn - necklaces made of shark,
bear and boar teeth have adorned many humans. Intricate carving of animal bone
has grown from these early decorative attempts to enhance their image.
Sadly, even today the carving of
ivory and bone from endangered species still occurs. It is hoped that this
unfortunate activity will be replaced by environmental and ethical substitutes
such as common beef bone or deer horn. At one time, even human bone was used for
carving - as far as we are aware, this practice has ceased (well, nearly - see
our funny page for some interesting stories!).
Modern bone carving is widely
practiced in New Zealand and on some South Pacific islands. The use of modern
power tools and refined polishing compounds have seen it take on new dimensions.
Creations made of simple beef or deer horn - although smaller than those made in
the past from elephant tusk or whale bone - rival the timeless beauty of
precious and irreplaceable ivory. Deer horn has the added advantage of being an
annually renewable resource without the death of an animal. Well finished and
polished bone is irresistible to the touch.
Equipment
Bone carvings require very little in the way of equipment. There are carvers who
produce their complete work by hand with nothing more than a selection of files,
gravers and sandpaper. While these people must be applauded for the `purity' of
their labour, this method as you can imagine, proves to be very time consuming.
Modern technology has seen the
development of a whole range of small power tools which are ideal for the
fashioning of bone. Although initially produced for hobbyists or miniaturists
working in other media, these electric wonders work equally well on bone.
Several machine manufacturers
produce varieties of compact power tools for the hobbyist. Carvers appreciate
their slim design finding them a convenient size for use on small, intricate
objects. Readily accommodated in limited workroom spaces, the available compact
tool range has proven to be ideal for the bone carver.
The Kays have further
mechanised their carving with the use of air compressors and hand pieces
which are faster and smoother to operate. Want to know "how to
carve"? Just check out our carving page.
Source Material
Any type of bone is generally suitable for carving. Beef bone is the most common
due to its availability and size. The lower rear leg bone from this animal can
be obtained from butcher shops, slaughter houses, pet food processing plants or
from a local farmer if you live in the country. Bones from sheep, pigs, deer
(including deer antler), turkeys and chickens can all be used.
The bone is cleaned and if very
white bone is desired, it is bleached and sometimes cooked. Preparations vary
with the individual carver, the type of bone and the colour of bone required.
Bone which has been buried or left to "cure" nature's way often
contains beautiful streaks of colour from the minerals in the ground. Bone
soaked in natural dyes made from bark or plants will produce interesting colour
variations as well.
Pacific Carvers,
Len and Candy Kay, however, prefer the use of deer coronets or deer
buttons - the solid bone base of naturally shed deer antler for carving.
