CARVEFEST is more than an event; it is a living mission to preserve, promote, and propel the ancient yet ever-evolving art of wood carving in Barbados. Founded by A. Ashanti Trotman of Mahogany Mound Studios in collaboration with Artists Alliance Barbados, the festival exists to transform raw talent into sustainable livelihoods while keeping the flame of traditional craftsmanship burning bright for future generations. By creating a national platform that blends cultural celebration with commercial opportunity, CARVEFEST empowers local carvers to turn their skill into income, inspires young people to embrace the craft, and invites the world to witness the soul of Barbadian creativity.
At the heart of CARVEFEST lies mahogany — the noble wood that has shaped Barbadian hands and stories for centuries. Known for its rich reddish-brown tones, exceptional durability, and beautiful grain, Barbadian mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni) is prized by carvers for both its workability and symbolic resonance. It grows slowly and majestically across the island, standing as a living link between past and present. Choosing mahogany is never just practical; it is an act of respect for the land and a deliberate choice to honor a material that has long represented strength, elegance, and cultural continuity in the Caribbean.
The heritage story of wood carving in Barbados stretches back through slavery, emancipation, and independence. Enslaved Africans brought knowledge of carving from West and Central Africa, adapting those skills to the island’s abundant timber to create tools, utensils, furniture, and ceremonial objects. After emancipation, the craft became a quiet but powerful form of self-expression and economic survival for many families. Generations later, pieces carved from local mahogany still grace homes, churches, galleries, and international collections — silent witnesses to resilience, ingenuity, and an unbroken chain of hands passing down knowledge. CARVEFEST exists to ensure this story is never forgotten, but instead celebrated loudly on a national stage.
Today, the craft faces real challenges: fewer young people are learning the skills, traditional tools are expensive, and market access remains limited for many artisans. CARVEFEST directly confronts these realities by centering youth in every edition. Through free and low-cost workshops, mentorship from master carvers, and digital exposure, the festival opens doors for the next generation. It also creates safe, inspiring spaces where teenagers and young adults can discover that carving is not just a hobby — it is a viable career path that blends creativity, entrepreneurship, and cultural pride.
Beyond individual empowerment, CARVEFEST contributes to the broader cultural and economic fabric of Barbados. By partnering with AGROFEST — the nation’s largest agricultural and community gathering — the festival reaches thousands of locals and visitors each year. It stimulates demand for local materials and tools, attracts sponsorship from hardware suppliers, banks, telecoms, and tourism bodies, and generates content that showcases Barbados as a destination rich in authentic creative experiences. In doing so, CARVEFEST turns heritage into economic opportunity while reinforcing national identity in a globalized world.
Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, CARVEFEST envisions a thriving, self-sustaining ecosystem of Barbadian wood carvers who are respected, visible, and prosperous. We dream of an island where every parish has active carving circles, where young people proudly choose the chisel over more conventional paths, and where the world recognizes Barbados not only for its beaches but for its extraordinary handmade legacy. This is not just an event — it is a movement. Join us in carving the future.