Here are the answers to many of your frequently 
asked questions.  If you have questions not 
included in this list, please contact us.
See our "Contact Us" page. We will be glad to assist you. 

1. Is there a minumum purchase?
There is no minimum order at this time.

2.  Where is the item number?
An item number is the unique number that is given to each product on the website.
This number is found next to the product price.

3.  How long does it take to get my order and what are my shipping options?
Your order is shipped UPS ground.  Our conservative answer is that you will receive your order
 in seven to twelve days (due to weekends, holidays, shipping errors beyond our control, etc.).
Generally, you will receive it much sooner. 

4.  How is my order shipped?
UPS is the shipping source we use at this time.
We feel that UPS has superior service with reasonable pricing.

5.  Do you have a catalog?
Our website is our catalog.
We  provide product information on additional unique, limited quantity, 
authentic African art pieces to those who sign up on our mailing lists.  

6.  Why do you offer items to your mailing list which aren't available on the web site?
Because these other items are limited in quantity and are not something the native
artist will indefinately reproduce, they are featured only through our mailing list.  
Also, shipping times are often different than that of items on the general site.

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The following terms may be used to describe items. 
We offer these expanded definitions to assist in 
clarifying product construction or material content.

ALABASTRITE
Alabastrite is a product name for polyresin items. It is made from oxylite and polystone
which forms a stone-based material that can be intricately molded when coldcasted.  
Clean by dusting; do not wash with water.  Paint is water soluble. 

ASIAN MOUNTAIN STONE 
Items made from this stone are known for their intense, deep red color.
The stone is crushed, mixed with a binding agent, molded, and highly polished.

FROSTED ACRYLIC
Acrylic items given the French Lalique process, (traditionally used on glass), to achieve a
distinctive frosted look which provides the drama of frosted glass without the weight.

PATCHWORK PORCELAIN
This is a European fabric technique.
The fabric is stretched over porcelain figurines and coated with a dozen or more coats of lacquer.  Each application of lacquer is hand-polished to produce a smooth texture and rich sheen.
The many layers of lacquer completely seal the figurine and the fabric cannot be felt.

PORCELAIN
Porcelain is made from a fine ground white clay.  It is molded and then fired.
It can be underglazed, glazed, or left with a bisque finish.
Underglazed porcelain has a matte finish; glazed porcelain has a high gloss;
bisque has an unglazed matte finish.  Glazed products are fired a second time.

STONEWARE
Stoneware is white clay together with fine ground stone.
A great deal of experience is needed to work with this material.
Stoneware is microwave and dishwasher safe.