Handmade Overcomer African Wood Mask (Ghana) - 12" H x 12.25" W x 5.5" D

This handmade creation is offered in partnership with NOVICA, in association with National Geographic. Exquisite textures cover this design with intricate fascination. Carved by hand, Ibrahim Seyeed's beautiful African mask features applications of hand embossed aluminum. Its circular symmetry is stunning.

Product Features:

• Dimensions: 12" H x 12.25" W x 5.5" D
• Weight: 2.33 lbs
• Colors: Brown
• Materials: Sese wood, Aluminum plate, Acrylic paint
• Type: Decorative mask
• Intended as wall decor
• Features a rustic, Rugged finish
• Hand-made item -- color, size and/or motif may vary slightly
• Made in Ghana

Story Behind The Art:

I had a man-to-man talk with my father to explain my need to be working on my own... he offered me his blessing as well as gave me some advice on good work ethics that would guide my life. Born on June 25 in the Eastern Region of Ghana, I'd say I am a principled, hardworking and sociable person. I developed the interest for art at a very tender age. My father was a carver and growing up I always observed how he went about his work. He also started training me every day after school. After completing Junior High I decided to dedicate myself to the art of wood carving full time.

I was still working with my father when I was 20 years old, when I decided to start on my own. I had a man-to-man talk with my father to explain my need to be working on my own. He was glad I had taken this most important decision, and he offered me his blessing as well as gave me some advice on good work ethics that would guide my life. The day I left my father gave me a gift: two boxes of carving tools. I also had support from other carvers since I had been very respectful while I was working with my father. It was not difficult starting up on my own back in 2000, and most of my customers are tourists who come to my workshop to purchase my work. I have been able to train about 15 people on how to carve.

I get my inspiration from observing my environment. As I fix my gaze on the wood I can see the object I can carve out. Being able to carve beautiful objects out of a simple piece of wood is what excites me most about my art work. I use sese, ebony, and tweneboa woods to carve my products and I decorate them with acrylics. It is my dream, hope and plan to expand my workshop to be able to employ more people as I currently have four assistants. I also want to be able to own a house some day in the future.

Please allow 10 business days for the product to leave our warehouse and to receive tracking information. You should expect to receive this item within 15 business days.