How Haitian Metal Art Is Made
From oil drums to artwork—crafted by hand, powered by tradition.
Step 1: Finding the Raw Material
It all begins with a 55-gallon oil drum, once used for industrial shipping. In the town of Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti—renowned for its artisan community—these drums are collected and repurposed by local craftsmen.
Step 2: Cleaning and Flattening
The drum is sliced open, cleaned with fire to remove residue, and hammered flat by hand. This creates a large sheet of workable steel—a canvas for imagination.
Step 3: Sketching the Design
Using chalk, the artisan freehands their design directly onto the metal. Common themes include trees of life, angels, animals, and abstract patterns that reflect Haitian culture and spiritual symbolism.
Step 4: Cutting and Carving
Armed with hammers and chisels, the artisan carefully carves out the design. Every cut is guided by rhythm, experience, and an intuitive connection to the material. This part can take several hours or even days.
Step 5: Polishing and Finishing
Once the piece is cut and shaped, it’s sanded smooth and either left raw or painted for extra color and depth. Each artwork is unique—no two pieces are ever exactly alike.
Why It Matters
Buying Haitian metal art doesn’t just bring beauty to your home—it directly supports artists and their families with fair wages, safe working conditions, and pride in their craft. Every purchase helps sustain a tradition that has survived generations of hardship through creativity and resilience.