VANISHING LINKS SERIES #2
ELEPHANT
Limited Edition of #15
The center area features an original pen and ink drawing of a head study of an African Elephant. The four masks are interpretations of African designs from the west Africa region. Masks represent the faces of higher beings: of spirits, gods, and ancestors. An African textile pattern is located between the masks. The border herd of elephants and spears at the top and bottom represent the elephants struggle for survival due to illegal poaching.
For centuries, elephants have been exploited: for ivory, as weapons of war, for ceremonial purposes, by the logging industry, and by zoos and circuses. Elephant populations have greatly declined due to habitat destruction, increased agriculture and the bloody ivory trade. Rampant poaching halved Africa’s elephant population from 1.4 million in 1979 to around 600,000 in 1989. They are now listed as endangered species, as is the Asian elephant. As a result of human impact and limited success in preserving their habitats, the number of African and Asian elephants has dropped to a dangerous low. Many efforts are being made to save the elephant from extinction. However, poaching and illegal hunting are still extensive. The elephant is fighting to remain the largest living land mammal on our planet.
19" X 19" X 2"