Bronze Casters

Curious about how our unique FairTrade bronze statues are created? On this page we take you step by step through the traditional production process of these beautiful works of art. Our statues come from Burkina Faso, where bronze casting is a centuries-old tradition.

Step 1: Beeswax Figure

Everything starts with beeswax. The bronze caster forms a detailed sculpture by hand. The soft material allows him to work meticulously and to execute the design down to the last detail. This is the blueprint for the final sculpture.
Each figurine is uniquely handmade.

Step 2: Compost Mold

A sturdy mold is formed around the beeswax figure, made of clay mixed with horse manure. This mold protects the delicate design and ensures that the figure retains its shape during the following steps.

Step 3: Flowing Beeswax & Pouring Bronze

The clay mold is then heated, causing the beeswax to melt and flow out of the mold. What remains is a hollow space in the shape of the statue. This is where the liquid bronze, melted at high temperatures, is poured in with precision.

Step 4: Remove mold

When the bronze has cooled and hardened, the clay mold is carefully removed. This reveals the raw bronze sculpture. Although the shape is already visible, the real transformation begins.

Step 5: Finishing - filing and patination

The details are refined with filing and sanding, so that the statue looks smooth and elegant. Then comes the patination: a special colouring technique that gives the statue its characteristic shine and unique appearance.

This is the finishing touch that makes each statue a work of art. Each bronze caster has his own unique style.

Step 6: Showroom, packing & shipping.

The last step is just as important: the bronze statue is either carefully packed and shipped for our order, or prepared in their own showroom. The packing is done with great care, not only to prevent bumps, but also to protect the statue from salty seawater influences during transport.