For centuries, Malawians and fellow Africans alike had a primitive safeguard system in place. To protect the village, one man was designated to remain on the look out for lions and tigers. If one cat entered the area, the man on guard would call for others to help kill the beast. If two cats approached, the man would call for help to kill the pair. However, if a pack ventured near, the man would run for his life and alert the village to hide in their huts until the danger passed. In reality, the animals we associate with Africa are all but gone, as well as the warriors depicted by these figures. Only in national parks can you now spot a lion or tiger.

What’s your image of Africa? Do you see the” Dark Continent” as a jungle riddled with hunting warriors like the dolls below? Do you envision starving children or parched lands? Westernization and modernization have, in fact, penetrated Malawi and today, Malawians have problems just like ours. Men are not fending off lions and tigers, they are running businesses. Women are raising children and tending the home, just like they do in America. However, a Malawian businessman is more likely to be selling bananas and his place of work is likely to be a wheeled cart and a Malawian mother is more likely struggling to find clean water for cooking and cleaning.

The wooden treasures you find here are products of Malawian businessmen. Selling crafted figures to tourists and locals alike are how many men support their families.