Handcrafted Sese Wood 'Harvest Increase' African Mask (Ghana) - Multi/Brown

This handmade creation is offered in partnership with NOVICA, in association with National Geographic.
 

Carved and painted by hand, this sese wood mask is replicates the one that the Ewe king gives to farmers in Ghana for a good harvest. Evelyn Kafui Ahianyo names the mask 'Hornam,' which means 'Increase' in the Ewe language.
 

Product Features:

• Weight: 2.0 lbs
• Dimension: 11.75" H x 11.5" W x 4.3" D
• Materials: Sese wood, aluminum
• Colors: Brown, black, cream, green
• Decorative
• Hang on wall
• Made in Ghana.

Story Behind the Art:
 

My masks are unique because I use my knowledge in design with each one.

My ability to work with masks is inborn, and my greatest inspiration is to preserve our rich cultural heritage. 

I'm Evelyn Kafui Ahianyo, born in Accra on September 12, 1965. I have two sisters and a brother. 

My masks are unique because I use my knowledge in design with each one. Initially, I wasn't using lots of different materials, but now I use recycled glass and glass beads, aluminum, brass and more. 

I sit and draw the mask creatively, and come up with the colors that will make it stand out. I'm also good at observing nature and this comes to bear when I have to sit and come up with designs after the mask has been carved. 

Although my masks have cultural references, I try to enhance the looks. In Ghana, mask are seen to have spiritual beliefs attached to them, so most people wouldn't like to even hold them. But with the new coloring and designs, people are now comfortable with masks and are ready to learn more about the history associated with them. 

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.