The Western Lowland Gorilla

The Western Lowland Gorilla is named after the lowland swamps and forests that it inhabits in Central Africa. Once roaming free in a natural habitat, there are many threats to this species that put its existence in danger. Among other things, they are hunted illegally for their meat and skins, captured to be sold off to zoos, and the young sold as pets. This puts this species at risk. Hence, and as our global population increases, so does our demand for crops, livestock, and Timber. In return, the natural habitat of the Western Lowland Gorilla decreases, too. This has forced gorillas to excavate beyond their natural habitat and raid crops, making that they are currently seen as a ‘pest’ to the landowners.

Of all Western Gorilla species, the Lowland Gorilla is the smallest of the four Gorilla subspecies. And while it might be small, its impact is tremendous. What many of us don’t realise is that the extinction of gorillas will affect us, too. The reason for this is that gorillas disperse seeds. Their carrying of seeds from one area to another is a valuable trait that is beneficial to countless animals in the forest. This means that without gorillas to disperse the seeds needed, not only will the gorillas become extinct, but so will many other animals. This could destroy entire ecosystems in the long run.

About the collection

This sculpture is part of our Eternity of Remarkable Species collection where we capture the astonishing beauty of endangered animals in a static state. For this collection, we source species, such as the Western Lowland Gorilla Skull, that are endangered or threatened by human impact. We want to put these species in a shining spotlight to raise awareness of their vulnerability, and beauty, at the same time. With this collection that we call the ‘Eternity of Remarkable Species’, we capture timeless species that are facing extinction in the form of bronze sculptures. The astonishing fleeting beauty of these endangered animals is solidified into a static, eternal state of bronze, welded at over 2000 degrees Celsius. Just as enchanting, less of an impact.

Dimensions

coming soon

Dutch Design

Designer: Jake Richmond / Dutch Design
Concept: Eva van Stekelenburg
Origin: Indonesia
Date/Period: 2023
Materials: Polished Bronze, MDF
The skull is displayed on a custom-fit black base, made from wood and steel. It can be detached from the base if desired.

Signed by our designer J. Richmond

Sustainability

All of our bronze sculptures, including this Small Polished Bronze Gorilla Skull, are made from upcycled metals such as old pipelines. Our craftsmen and women collect this scrap waste which they then put in an oven at very high temperatures. Next, once the scrap waste pieces melt, the new raw material is ready to be used. We then use this virgin material to make 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. By doing so we are trying to close at least one waste loop.

Transparency & Who made it

When it comes to our working conditions, we work exclusively with Indonesian craftsmen and women in 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 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 Small Polished Bronze Gorilla Skull, 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.