These two wooden elephant figures were carved by artisans of the Kamba cultures of Kenya, Africa. Traditionally, Kamba woodworkers created simple, functional objects such as hand-carved large wooden spoons, stools, and stoppers for medicine horns. In the early 20^th century, however, a Kamba man named Mutesya waMunge served in the military during World War I; he was stationed in Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania, where he met woodcarvers from the WaZaramo culture. As he learned to carve small figures of animals and people, waMunge noticed how European soldiers became very interested in these figures and wanted to purchase them as souvenirs.

Upon returning home to Kenya after the war, waMunge continued to carve wooden figures of animals and people. Kamba elders frowned upon this practice because they believed that some figures might portray their supreme god, Ngai. WaMunge nevertheless continued to carve in secret and to polish his skills. Later in the 1920s, carved wooden figures became very popular in the tourist trade, and WaMunge then taught other men how to carve wood and how to create figures in this new style, and the excellence of Kamba woodcarving eventually became well-recognized. This fame and commercial success became very important to the Kamba economy, bringing in much-needed revenue to their communities.

Today Kamba woodcarvings are sold internationally, from New York to Tokyo; they are sold through Fair Trade sites and companies as well as through independent sellers in Kenya.  Popular figures include those portraying native African animals, such as these elephants, and those portraying men and women in the traditional garb of the Maasai culture of Kenya. While inexpensive souvenirs of simple, relatively rough, quickly made wooden figures may be found throughout Africa, Kamba artisans have taken great pains to preserve woodcarving as an artform, creating their figures in fine hardwoods such as jacaranda. They also work hard to pass on their knowledge and skills in woodcarving to later generations, ensuring the preservation and longevity of this artform.