Sefah Annwhar replicates the unique artistry of Ivory Coast's Guro people with this impressive wall mask. Featuring two faces, fertility masks were given to Guro women to help them conceive. The talented Ghanaian artisan hand-carves the sese wood mask and adorns it with painted details over clay textures.

Guro people are regarded as the most prolific of African artists. Guro people were originally safe from French colonization, as they lived among the dense forests of Ivory Coast; however, this only lasted until 1912. Under French rule they had to change their nomadic ways to settlements, and rather than having a village leader, a distinguished elder would be designated to mediate disputes and serve as a liaison to neighboring tribes.

Product Features: 

• Dimension: 19.25" H x 4.3" W x 2.8" D
• Weight: 1.52
• Color: Beige
• Material: Sese wood
• Made in Ghana

Story Behind the art:
I became interested in art at a tender age. I used to play with scraps of wood in my father's workshop when I was a child. I learned how to carve during junior high school. During weekends and vacations, my father showed me the basics. I was so excited to learn and this helped to improve my skills quickly. I realized that carving gave me the opportunity to be creative and I loved it. I can create anything I dream up and this feeds my creativity. I don't teach any students yet, but hope to pass on my knowledge of carving.

I stay up late with my dad when he receives a lot of orders. It gives me the chance to practice my craft, allowing my hands to give shape to what I've been taught earlier in the day. This is how I mastered my craft. At first, it was confusing and challenging but, the more I practice, the easier it becomes.

"I get my inspiration from my father and from nature. I use sese wood, aluminum, brass and clay. These materials are easy to obtain from the market.

My dream is to train people carving and designing. I also want to feed the poor.

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