Dogon boards were traditionally placed on doors, and incorporated animal and human symbols to protect the entrance to the home. The Dogon are an ethnic group living in the central plateau region of Mali, in Western Africa. Artisan Ayoma Alhassan presents his interpretation of a Dogon board, incorporating male and female figures facing each other to represent balance, as well as bird, tortoise and antelope motifs. The artisan names his original relief panel after the Bambara people of Western Africa. The panel's raised motifs are formed from hardened calabash.

Product Features: 

• Dimension: 39" H x 6" W x 1.2" D
• Weight: 2.75
• Color: Brown
• Material: Calabash, plywood, charcoal, glue
• Made in Ghana

Story Behind the art:
"I am Ayoma Alhassaan. I was born in Nima, a suburb of Accra. My mum was a trader and my dad a gardener. I come from a very large family; I have 5 siblings. I am a very hardworking artist. After form 3, I didn't continue with my education. A friend of mine convinced me to travel to Lagos, Nigeria, and that was why I didn't continue with my education. I had to work in a harbor. From Lagos I went to Libya, and later I returned to Ghana to learn art and finishing at the Accra Art Centre. That was where I also learned to design calabash pieces, and I have now mastered the craft.

In line with my work, I met a lady whom I married, and we had two kids. Unfortunately, she is now dead, but I remarried because I was still young. My dream for the future is to revamp my old workshop. Art for me is a passion, and so I will be teaching more and more youth. I have also taught my son to do the calabash art finishing. My aim is to continue building on my creative skills."

The handmade touch of artisan skill creates variations in color, size and design. If buying two of the same item, slight differences should be expected. Note: Color discrepancies may occur between this product and your computer screen.

Imported