This tree decoration is handmade in Haiti from scrap steel drums. They are light enough to hang well on a tree and keep Haiti in mind during the holiday period. The dove is 2.5 inches tall and 3 inches wide.

About the Artisans:

Eugene Jacques and Carlo Brutus in Croix des Bouquet, are from an area of Port-Au-Prince, Haiti known for artisans who make oil drum art. The constant hammering from the sheds in the area led us to beautiful metalwork, with each stop offering new designs. Carlo makes unique round “Tree of Life” and voodoo wall art. He led us to Eugene’s shed which yielded unique three-dimensional masks with cogs and bicycle chains for earrings. These are just two of the thousands of independent Haitian metal artists striving to make a sustainable living by exporting their pieces from a country where political strife and lack of tourism has eliminated most sales outlets.

Prior to the 2010 earthquake, Carlo and others relied on other established producer groups to perform activities necessary to export including banking and shipping. Just 4 weeks after the earthquake, Carlo had set up a bank account and established a relationship with a shipping agent, began taking orders and shipping the products to the US, enabling us to place and pay for orders and together play a small part in rebuilding the rich handicraft sector in Haiti.