1.
LV. CARVINGS IN MOMBASA MARKET.
0.06

2.
SV. DITTO.
0.11

3.
SCU. DITTO.
0.16

4.
STV. DITTO.
0.21

5.
LV. WOOD CARVERS AT WORK.
0.26

6.
STV. DITTO.
0.29

7.
CU. CRAFTSMAN SHAPES WOOD.
0.34

8.
SCU. CRAFTSMAN CHISELS MASK.
0.38

9.
CU. DITTO.
0.42

10.
CU. MASK NEAR COMPLETION.
0.49

11.
STV. CRAFTSMEN.
0.51

12.
CU. COMPLETED MASK.
0.56



Initials PC/V/PB/FG



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: THE TRADITIONAL WOOD CARVINGS OF EAST AFRICA ARE BRINGING GREATER EXPORT RETURNS THAN EVER. HUNDREDS OF SQUATTING AFRICANS IN MOMBASA - AND EVERYWHERE ELSE - CARRY ON THE ANCIENT CRAFT FOR AN INCOME OF ABOUT FIVE SHILLINGS A DAY.

ONE BIG SOURCE OF BUSINESS FOR THE CARVERS IS AN AMERICAN CLUB WHICH BUYS UP THEIR PRODUCTS IN BULK. CLUB MEMBERS IN THE US PAY ONE DOLLAR A MONTH (THERE ARE 700,000 MEMBERS) AND IN RETURN THEY RECEIVE SOUVENIRS FROM 12 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES. THIS MEANS THAT MOMBASA HAS A REGULAR ORDER FOR 700,000 WOODEN CARVINGS EACH YEAR.