Making the move

After quitting their jobs in 1990, Li and Han, then in their 40s, left China for Tanzania with only $8,000 in their pockets. The couple decided to settle down in the East African country.

After some struggle, their business in Tanzania eventually prospered. In 1994, the couple purchased the largest timber factory in the country's south, and began working in timber export and trade.

In Tanzania, ebony, the raw material for woodcarvings, is strictly managed. Even artists can't cut down the tree for sculpting. Li and Han's factory was issued a cutting license, so they provided free ebony as well as free space and lunches for African sculptors who wanted to sculpt with the wood.

At the end of 1996, the couple set up the Tanzania National Makonde Art Association and used their timber processing plant for its headquarters.

"The association was a cultural base of production, display, exchange, and acquisition," explains Li. At any one given time, more than 100 artists could be carving on the factory's grounds.

Years later, the company has expanded into various industries, including timber, fisheries and mining. The prosperity of their business provides solid financial support for further research and the extensive collection of Makonde carvings.

Initially, collecting Makonde woodcarvings was only a hobby. But after years of living in Tanzania, this side project has become a passion. It is estimated that the number of their collected pieces surpasses more than 10,000.

Li and Han have spent much of their spare time collecting the woodcarvings and purchased must-have pieces even if it meant having to borrow money. "We were once under great pressure to pay back debt [because of collecting Makonde woodcarvings]," the couple recalls.

During their time in Tanzania, they befriended Makonde craftsmen, relationships that extended beyond ordinary employer-employee dynamics, and were full of mutual respect.

Makonde master Atanasi Njawikem visited Li's art base for some time when he was quite weak with age. It was a great comfort to him before his death that he could spread African culture and communicate with audiences in China through his art. Now, the sculptor's works have been donated to the National Art Museum of China and the Songshan-Hanrong African Art Collection Museum respectively.

Makonde in China

What Li and Han would like to do most is to introduce Makonde woodcarving to Chinese people, most of whom seem to be unfamiliar with the art form. This is why the couple brings what they have collected in Tanzania to China whenever they can.

In 2001, the couple visited Changchun, capital city of Jilin Province, during an entrepreneurs convention. They were touched by the respect shown to Makonde sculptures by Changchun residents, and in 2003, Li and his wife donated a total of 547 elegant woodcarvings to the city.

A decade ago, when the sculptures were put on display for the first time, locals mistakenly thought "Makonde" was the name of exhibit's backer. But now, the woodcarvings have gained fame in the city. Tourists and professionals are increasingly intrigued by the art.

Changchun is far from Africa, but here Makonde sculpture is easily found. The Songshan-Hanrong African Art Collection Museum, located at the Changchun World Sculpture Park, opened its doors to the public this September. "We hope Chinese artists are able to draw on Makonde carvings for inspiration when creating their own art," says Li. "A powerful nation should incorporate multicultural ideas or it can not move forward."

That same month, the Makonde Art Institute was established at the Jilin College of Arts. Li was appointed as an honorary professor, supervising graduate students working on Makonde art theory. Meanwhile, he is establishing Makonde art museums in different Chinese cities. Unlike public museums, these museums will be only open to art professionals.

"I hope arts appreciation can bring Chinese arts professionals together more often, even if it's just to discuss a piece of art," says Li. It's his hope they will gradually be inspired by other art forms.