Beaded African Sese Wood Mask from Ghana 'Lucky Rhino' Item ID: 2677063412

My name is Malik Abdul Dodoo. I was born in October, 1987, and I grew up in the district of Jamestown, Accra. I am the second of three siblings. My parents are the late Grace Otua Sarpei and Mr. Osmanu Dodoo. I am known to be an honest, cool, and quiet person. I make home decor accessories and wood carvings.

I went to Sempe primary school and went to junior high afterward. I attended secondary school at Adonten Secondary School. There, I studied visual arts in order to polish my talents. I was first inspired by watching my uncle carve.

After I graduated secondary school, my uncle passed away, so I had to take over his shop, carving and finishing pieces. We make a wide range of home decor accessories using wood and beads. I have attended a number of art fairs in Ivory Coast, where I got the opportunity to promote myself and my art.

I am married, but a few months ago I lost my wife to an accident. We have a son who is 10 years old. He is still in school. My son is a chip off the old block; he helps me with ideas and sometimes designs for me on weekends. He always reminds me that I still have things to learn. Once, I bought him a bicycle and, while showing him how to ride it, I fell off! My son laughed and said 'Dad, I thought you knew how to ride. Look how you've fallen!'

My inspiration comes from nature. My goal is to be a big success in the near future and teach younger generations how to string beads. NOVICA, thank you for this opportunity.