Another commission came my way – craft a centerpiece sculpture for a long dining table, a piece that would capture the essence of running antelope in various dynamic poses, creating a sense of movement and life along the table’s length. While the obvious choice would have been the Impala, its charm failed to inspire me. Instead, I was drawn to the enchanting allure of the Nile Lechwe, also known as Mrs Grey’s Lechwe, native to the Sudan and Ethiopia.
As I delved into my research on this fascinating subject, I uncovered the remarkable fact that Nile Lechwe are among the most splendid of all Lechwe species found in Africa. The males boast an iridescent black coat adorned with a white nape on the neck and distinctive white markings on the face. Notably, their horn size is second only to the Kafue Lechwe, adding to their majestic appeal.
However, as I commenced work on the sculpture, it soon became apparent that the scale of these animals would be too imposing, obstructing the view and interaction of the diners at the table. A decision was reached to relocate the sculpture to a more suitable location. In its place, I envisioned a trio of these majestic creatures, their lithe forms suspended in mid-leap over lily pads. The Nile Lechwe, indeed, is a rare and exquisite creature. I hope you enjoy this piece.
