Lost-wax Casting Process: The Art of Sculpting Bronze

Each piece of bronze art is unique. African artwork pieces made from metal, including bronze, copper and brass for example, are made by a process called lost-wax casting. This process requires a steady-hand with a detailed-eye and masterful skill. Knowledge in metalworking and pottery are involved in sculpting these pieces of art. Beeswax is molded at a low melting temperature, and then sculpted into it's one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Clay pieces are added to the wax and allowed to harden. The clay captures the intricate details of the carved wax. When the piece is fired, cured with flame, the wax melts away leaving the clay pottery mold. The liquid metal, in this case bronze, is poured in the clay shell and allowed to harden. After the piece has cooled, the clay mold is broken to reveal the metal sculpture. Because the clay piece is destroyed, each piece has it's own unique qualities.