![Artifacts & Treasures](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0809/6068/4315/files/artifects-title.png?v=1712656514)
Explore a world of carefully curated items, with each of our Artefacts & Treasures offering a glimpse at the fascinating connections between tradition, culture and craftsmanship.
![](http://www.siestacrafts.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/GASX004_1.jpg?v=1717410548)
Ghanaian Masks
African masks have great cultural importance and typically depict animal and human characteristics.
Traditionally they were worn during various ceremonies and in some instances represent spirits. During dances it is believed that they connect the living with the dead whereby the spirits of the ancestors pass to the wearer of the mask.
Today they play an important role in telling the history of many African people.
![](http://www.siestacrafts.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/NPSX225-Himalayan-Quartz-Crystal-Buddha-Statue-1.jpg?v=1717146615)
Buddhist Artefacts
Amazing work of artistry and craftsmanship are showcased here, with statues crafted from brass, copper, shell and Himalayan quartz crystal using the traditional 'lost wax' technique.
Initially a wax model is created and encased in clay to create a mold. The wax is then melted away - 'lost' - and the hollow that is left is filled with molten metal. Once this hardens the clay mold is broken away so there is now a metal replica of the initial wax model.
![](http://www.siestacrafts.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/NPSX396_1_7dd944b6-9db2-4f3f-be11-d094c44d3e06.jpg?v=1728650325)
Tibetan Furniture
Our stunning collection of Tibetan furniture has been lovingly hand painted and crafted by skilled artisans in Nepal.
Featuring traditional Tibetan patterns, Buddhist gods and fierce dragons, each piece is unique and stand out.
![](http://www.siestacrafts.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/lunar_bowl.jpg?v=1717076352)
Lunar Bowls
Created on the day of a full moon, these very special singing bowls bear a special inscription and comes with a certificate of authenticity.
As well as being created at such an auspicious time, the bowls also contain seven metals instead of the usual two. Small amounts of gold, silver, iron, mercury and lead are included in the usual bell metal mixture of copper and tin. The careful incorporation of these metals is said to have an astral significance.
![](http://www.siestacrafts.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/1205_Handcarved_Sitting_Buddha_30cm_4.jpg?v=1717155837)
Balinese Wood Sculptures
Each of these incredible works of art is created from a solid piece of suar wood. The talented artisans that create these scuptures have taken years to perfect their art. Some of these statues sit a meter high!
![](http://www.siestacrafts.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/NPSX232_1.jpg?v=1738751879)
Prayer Wheels
Prayer wheels are Buddhist constructions often found at temples that consist of a cylindrical wheel that has been placed upon a spindle so that it can easily be spun around.
Inside the wheel is a scroll onto which mantras have been written hundreds, thousands, or in some cases, millions of times.
According to the Buddhist tradition, those that rotate these prayer wheels will gain much the same meritorious effect as reciting the mantras orally.
![](http://www.siestacrafts.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/NPGN037_1.jpg?v=1717146469)
Temple Gongs
Our collection of incredible wind gong cymbals are individual hand hammered pieces produced in Kathmandu in Nepal. Due to the careful process of their manufacture, each gong has a unique and amazing tone.
Many are decorated with hand etched designs, including traditional Tibetan patterns, chakras and Buddhist mantras.
![](http://www.siestacrafts.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/soapstone_-_5.jpg?v=1714664591)
Soapstone Sculptures
Most of the worlds soapstone originates from Kisii in the western highlands of Kenya and so is home to the best soapstone artisans.
These giant soapstone sculptures have been hand carved with their natural colouring and textures left.
Soapstone is soft to touch, hence the name. Before starting work the stone must be immersed in water to make it even softer, and therefore easier to work with. Using a hammer and chisel the main shape is carved out.
![](http://www.siestacrafts.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/THSP008-Kalaga-Tapestry-3.jpg?v=1717146558)
Burmese Kalagas
A kalaga is an elaborate embroidered tapestry with appliqué elements made of various materials such as silk, wool and lace. Padded figures and animals are cut from cloth and embellished with metallic threads ('shwe-chi-doe'), sequins and beads.
Each kalaga is unique to the artist and no two are the same.
They can take weeks or even months to complete due to their intricate nature.
![](http://www.siestacrafts.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/PESP004_1.jpg?v=1717410507)
Peruvian Gourds
These absolutely stunning works of folk art are hand produced in Peru by a small specialist workshop.
They feature highly detailed etchings and very intricate scenes of life in Peru, including celebratory festival scenes with a marching band, dancing locals in traditional dress, and of course herds of their iconic llamas.
![](http://www.siestacrafts.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/NPSX376-Life-of-Buddha-Thanka-Painting-No.376.jpg?v=1716996010)
Nepalese Thankas
Thankas are incredibly important artworks that either represented the power of the deities or gave accounts of development of Buddhism.
They are painstakingly painted and constructed by skilled artisans in the Kathmandu Valley, and they are absolutely beautiful. The pieces have deeply intricate and elaborate compositions and each is unique.
Every thanka is traditionally given a veil which is used to cover the painting when not in use for protection.
![](http://www.siestacrafts.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/mexsp-catrina_group_yellow-lifestyle-1_copy.jpg?v=1698232901)
Colourful Ceramics
Our colourful Mexican ceramics include figurines of the much-loved 'La Calavera Catrina' and stunning 'Arbol de Vida' (Tree of Life) statues.
Each have been made with the upmost of care in a small family workshop on the outskirts of Texcoco. An exquiste level of detail exists on every piece, and the largest piece reaches 53cm in height!
![](http://www.siestacrafts.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/NPSX360_1.jpg?v=1717413842)
Nepalese Masks
Our collection of large, bold and beautifully carved wooden masks have been hand crafted and hand painted by Newari artisans in Nepal. Each mask depicts a sacred Buddhist or Hindu deity.
Nepalese masks are traditionally displayed above gateways to offer protection, or in rituals and celebrations to repesent their much worshipped gods.
![](http://www.siestacrafts.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/npsv019_filagree_ring_prop_2.jpg?v=1716974007)
925 Silver
This collection displays some amazing ornamental work of fine Nepalese silver. Each piece is 925 silver marked.
Many peieces feature precious gemstones, others showcase the artisan's skills with delicate filigree work, where thin strips of metal are woven to form intricate textures and designs.
![](http://www.siestacrafts.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/singing_bowls_-_4.jpg?v=1714661660)
Singing Bowls
In Buddhist practices, singing bowls are used to signal the start and end of silent meditation session. This is often accompanied by chanting.
Our unique, specialist Tibetan singing bowls are hand beaten and are produced from a mix of metals. Included are beautifully etched Himalayan styles, crafted by immensely talented artisans who have taken years to perfect their skills.
![](http://www.siestacrafts.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/KESX004_1_{width}x.jpg?v=1717407179)
FEATURED SPECIALS:
SAFARI SOAPSTONE
Explore our incredible collection of Kenyan soapstone sculptures inspired by African safari.
These giant soapstone sculptures have been hand carved and left with their beautiful natural colouring. Some stand at a dominating 36" tall!
Handcrafted in the western highlands of Kenya, Kisii is home to the most talented soapstone artisans, and so these sculptures represent the finest in craftsmandship.
Read more about the artform:
Discover The Process:
Elaborate Tapestries
![](http://www.siestacrafts.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/ArtefactsAndTreasuresKalagaBanner.jpg?v=1717404836)
A kalaga is an elaborate embroidered tapestry with applique elements made of various materials such as silk, wool and lace. Discover the intricate techniques used to create these masterful tapestries.
Contact our shop to arrange a viewing of any of our Artefacts & Treasures range.