‘Brightness’ Authentic African Mask Hand Carved Wood Embossed Metal NOVICA Ghana

A stately beauty pervades an African mask with innate dignity. Regal yet not imperious, a solemn personage is ever watchful. Abdul Aziz Mohamadu transforms native sese wood into a mask of his own design. He applies sheets of richly embossed aluminum and names it Kanea, an Akan word meaning “brightness.”

Artist: Abdul Aziz Mohamadu

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Size

12.5 inches H x 4.1 inches W x 2.2 inches D

Weight

1.46 pounds

Materials

Sese wood, aluminum

Additional Info

Intended as wall decor

Hand-crafted item — color, size and/or motif may vary slightly

Photos are representative of the item being offered, but are not necessarily of the exact item you would receive. As is the nature of handcrafted items, there may be very slight variations from one piece to the next.

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“In 2000, I went into carving and since then I have never regretted it. But I haven’t abandoned painting completely either.”

“At a tender age, I used to draw pictures from magazines with a pencil. During my primary education, I painted with watercolors, to the admiration of my parents and their friends. This gave me confidence and inspired me to continue. I knew I’d be a painter in the future, as I realized that the flair for painting was in-born.

“When I was in senior high, I used to visit friends who were in college pursuing courses in painting. I’d practice with them using acrylics on canvas ? I didn’t find it difficult. In fact, I started to paint for people in my neighborhood upon request.

“When talking to people whose livelihood was painting and learning the challenges they encountered in selling a single canvas, it set me to thinking about whether to pursue this dream of becoming a painter. Perhaps I should turn to a different field altogether?

“When I completed senior high, I used to visit a man by name of Musa at his workshop. He was into carving masks and sculptures. I’d observe him with his workers and saw the joy with which they went about their work. At the time, I was deep in thought as to what would be next for me. My love for the art field was so strong.

“After careful observation of their carving over a period of time, one day I went to the workshop as usual, picked a log of wood and started carving out a mask as I had observed them doing. This surprised Musa and he was willing to help me perfect the skill. I developed a love for this new skill I’d acquired and decided to pursue it further.

“Because of my knowledge in painting, I was able to help Musa in creating very beautiful designs on the mask. In 2000, I went into carving and since then I have never regretted it. But I haven’t abandoned painting completely either ? I still paint for people upon request.

“I am now self employed and there are five assistants working with me. In addition, I have taught seven other people how to carve, and they are also on their own now and doing well. When I get large orders, I call on them for their assistance. I look forward to training more people in this craft and also to continuing with my paintings.”

Abdul Aziz Mohamadu’s work has been exhibited in Ghanaian venues as well as in Nigeria and Benin.

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In association with National Geographic, NOVICA is the largest seller of quality handcrafted fair trade goods on Ebay and has been actively auctioning rare artisan crafts since 1998.