The Baobab Tree

The Baobab tree is prominent in this piece and in the lives of Malawians.  These giant trees are sometimes called the upside down tree.  Legend is that the tree was lording itself above lesser plants and so God uprooted it and planted in the ground upside down.  The massive trunks of these trees have been known to grow to almost 100' tall and 150' around.  They have a fruit that is reportedly quite tasty.  These unique trees need to be seen to be truly appreciated but this fine artwork gives us a sense of how significant they are.  The Baobab tree shows up frequently in Brother Banda's African Art.

By the way, this is a 2" x 7.5" bookmark.