Last year when I was in Indonesia I found these wonderful ventilating wood carved screens from the late 19^th century. Due to their patina and the way the paint has worn off, they have become great decorative objects in my work. I have used them above the fireplaces, over beds, in hallways and in living rooms. I like the way they bring texture into a space. They are hard to find so whenever I see them I buy as many as I can.

I picked up this Toucan in Borneo, where they post them outside of the villages. This particular bird is holding a nut in his beak which is the symbol of welcoming and friendship.

This ox head is from Sulawesi in Indonesia, these were originally placed outside the home as decoration.  Oxen are prized animals in Indonesia and considered to contribute to a family’s wealth, they are used for sacrifice during funerals and weddings; the amount of oxen that are sacrificed reflect the person’s importance.

I found these bean pods in South Africa I think they are extraordinary.  Some of them get to be 4 feet tall and when give them a shake they make this great rattling noise.