Handmade Fruitflies

Submitted by Julie Brumlik August 14th, 2010
Certifikitsch Winner

(catalogue description): Africa literally crawls with insects, they form a part of everyone’s daily life. Skillful observation of the ubiquitous pests have led to the artists creating these magnificent banana fiber replicas. This lead-free East African fiber and seed decoration or toy from Kenya and Uganda, East Africa makes an interesting gift for the toy or insect collector or a child’s toy. Banana fiber tightly wrapped on a wire frame forms the insect with black seeds (and occasionally beads) for eyes. The detail of the finished insect is very creative and unique to these Kenyan artists. The natural vegetable fiber insect is an environmentally friendly decoration or (lead-free) toy made from natural sustainable materials that sells for more than $10 in USA organic (natural product) and home d√©cor stores! We are able to offer them at moderate prices by contracting directly with the crafters at fair trade prices.
US and Canadian taxpayers benefit in that a portion of the purchase may be tax deductible.

NBThe animals are very popular and in great demand by toy collectors and sell out quickly. When that happens, the number available will read backordered instead of a quantity. A lion of similar size and design can be ordered (click on the backordered link for details) and usually takes four to eight weeks. If backorder not wanted, remove the item/s from the shopping cart or at checkout.

One Response to “Handmade Fruitflies”

  1. Allee Willis

    These are really extraordinary looking. I love when such attention is put to details. Because we only see bugs in nature it’s incredible to see these made out of things from nature. The wings are my favorite as well as the goopy red stuff which I’m guessing is glue.

    (The AWMOK Jungle Animal Petting Zoo is a scenic attraction whose cages are currently being filled to coincide with the release of the upcoming Pomplamoose with Allee Willis “Jungle Animal” VideoSong and online music game and contest. Jungle tamer, AWMOK creator, curator and charming hostess, Allee Willis, me, will be steadily leading jungle animals to their cages over the next 1-2 months or so as you bring them here until the song is released. If ever there ever was a category that was primed to be kitschified it’s that of “Jungle Animal” as all the stripes, spots and fur have been inspiration for designers since the beginning of time. I thank you all in advance for placing your jungle pets in such an illustrious cage as The Allee Willis Museum of Kitsch. Keep them coming!)