Hand-hammered bird ornaments made from recycled 55-gallon steel oil drums by master metalworkers in Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti, the world center for Haitian metal art. Each ornament is entirely handmade and one of a kind: no stamping, no machinery, no repetition.
The process begins with flattening a discarded steel oil drum. The artist traces their bird design in chalk, then works with chisels and hammers to cut, shape, and decorate the metal entirely by hand. Every feather, every contour and dot is stippled with a hammer and nail.
A thin gold string is attached for hanging. When finished, many artists chisel their name into the piece itself.
In the village of Croix-des-Bouquets, the sound of hammer on chisel is constant; a working soundtrack to one of the Caribbean’s most vital craft traditions.
The collection of oil drum art we carry is curated by Casey Riddell, who has worked directly with Haitian metal artists for over 20 years, supporting as many as 120 artists through fair trade relationships. Every purchase flows directly to the artist, their workshop, their apprentices, and their family.
Lightweight and durable, these ornaments are as fitting on a holiday tree as they are displayed year-round on a wall or windowsill.
Each piece measures approximately 5" x 2“.
Read more about the metalworkers of Croix-Des-Bouquets and their process.
Handmade in Haiti.
