See the tools and techniques used by the malawian chief chair carvers
Chief chairs are carved in workshops like this. There is a roof to provide shelter from the hot African sun. There are no work benches or vices.
The carvers use a few simple tools - a chisel and a wooden hammer, or 'knocker', which they have also fashioned out of wood.
Some carvers sit on seats made from stone or chunks of wood and some prefer to sit on the ground.
Malawian Carving Artisans
Steadying the piece of wood with his foot, this carver squats to work on the top section of the design.
The seat or paddle shaped piece of wood that slots in the carved back piece is made from the small sections of wood.
Some of the younger generations of carvers learn by making smaller chairs, and are encouraged to keep the designs simpler until they develop their skills.