Great Hornbill

This polished bronze Great Hornbill sculpture is fitted on a custom black base. It is a true one on one life-sized sculpture. The bronze has been polished which gives it its golden glow.

The Great Hornbill

The Great Hornbill is called homrai in Nepal (hence the name of the Himalayan subspecies) and banrao, both meaning “king of the forest“. The Great Hornbill is a magical bird, the largest of the Hornbill species. It inhabits the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Unfortunately, habitat loss and hunting have made that the great hornbill is evaluated as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Whilst we have great respect for tribes, there are some traditional beliefs that actually threaten the birds existence. The flesh is believed to have medicinal properties and the young birds are considered a delicacy. Tribesmen in parts of northeastern India and Borneo use the feathers for head-dresses, and the skulls are often worn as decorations.

About the collection

This is a bronze sculpture of a Great Hornbill. This sculpture is part of our Eternity of Remarkable Species collection where we capture the astonishing beauty of endangered animals in a static state. Well aware of the direct impact of mankind on the environment, we create respectful alternatives to the authentic vulnerable species, such as the Great Hornbill. Just as enchanting, less of an impact.

Dimensions

Length: 28 cm / 11 inches
Width: 9 cm / 3.5 inches
Height: 22 cm / 8.6 inches
Weight: 1.8kg / 4 pounds

Dutch Design

Designer: Jake Richmond / Dutch Design
Concept: Eva van Stekelenburg
Origin: Indonesia
Date/Period: 2019
Materials: Polished Bronze, MDF
The skull is displayed on a custom-fit black base, made from wood and steel. It cannot be detached from the base.

Signed by our designer J. Richmond

Sustainability

Our bronzes are made from upcycled metals, such as pipelines and other parts. Our craftsmen collect these leftover materials and put them in an oven with temperatures so high that they melt to create the raw material, which we can use again for our bronze sculptures. As bronze is a very eco- and labour- intensive material to mine, we feel it makes much more sense to reuse the material that has already been created than to extract it – again.

Transparency & Who made it

When it comes to our working conditions, we work exclusively with Indonesian craftsmen and women on both Bali and Java. This piece specifically was made in Java, Indonesia. All of our craftsmen and women get paid a living wage that exceeds what the Indonesian Law requires. Their income is enough for a comfortable home, food, education, ceremonies, and more.

Questions?

Lastly, if you still have any questions about this polished bronze Great Hornbill, feel free to reach out to us at info@sooka.com or Whatsapp message + 31 6 17123402 and we will get back to you shortly.