Ethiopian wood mask 'Hail to the Chief' Item ID: 2677064282

“I joined Novica 2010. It has been a long journey, and this journey has brought so many changes in my life.

“Throughout these years my greatest challenge has been getting capital for my raw materials since I only want good quality, but thanks to Novica I am able to fund them with their interest-free loans.

“I have been able to train a lot of people over the years, and I am proud most of my students are also earning an income from carving.

“Business with Novica has really impacted positive changes in my personal and family life. I have been able to expand my business and also have more tools and a bigger space to work. Novica is a blessing to me.”

Original Artist Story

"My work is very unique because I craft African masks of extremely high quality. Moreover, I have innovated some creativity into my products with local available resources I took hold of, such as calabash and cowries.

"I was born in Accra Newtown on January 2, 1976. When I was a young schoolboy, becoming a carver was not one of my objectives. However as time went on, the selling of carved goods tempted me to start carving, and I continued learning until I became an accomplished carver.

"I started as an apprentice for Mr. Abdul Karim Star Boy in the late 1980s. Although I was still a schoolboy, I managed to combine the learning of carving with my schooling. I found no hindrances, and this went on a long way in inspiring me, as the clock ticks on.

"My materials are mostly wood, paint, polish, sea sand, brass and aluminum. My processes involved carving, sandpapering, polishing, painting, plating and finishing.

"There are a lot of factors that motivate me but the significant one was to depict the uniqueness of African history for our younger generations.

"Although life is not as easy, with the almighty Allah, I've overcome almost all the challenges. I have trained a lot of carvers who are still carving and making ends meet for their families.

"I have a big family with seven children, and they are living in a happy environment." Sefah Mohammed's works have been exhibited throughout Ghana as well as in foreign venues. He has received a number of awards.