Fair Trade Nigerian Wood Mask 'Heart Fortunes' Item ID: 2676861800

Latest Update

“I have been working with Novica for over 17 years now. From 2003 until now I have seen a lot of wonderful changes since joining Novica. Before, we worked without measurements, but Novica created standards of measurement to improve our level of work.

“I can boldly say that I am a successful man, not just in finances but in how my way of thinking and working has improved. I have been able to cater to my children through school. Some have also traveled.

“One challenge that I face is reproducing samples. Also, some of the people I have employed in my shop were not trustworthy; they made away with my money sometimes. But with Novica, I sell more and everything is transparent. I started work at the art center and I am still at the art center. Over the years, I have employed and trained over 10 men. I have taught them to finish wooden pieces. Novica has helped me to start up a building plan. Thanks a lot!”

Original Artist Story

"Greetings from Ghana, West Africa, where we are thinking of you and thanking you for such a successful work year. From myself, my family, and my seven carving assistants, we wish you the best.

"My name is Salihu Ibrahim, and I was born in the eastern region of Ghana in 1964. My father, Ibrahim, died when I was a child and I'm certain his death actually changed and shaped the course of my life. With the death of my father, I was sent to live with one of my father's closest friends, Opanin Osei, a renowned traditional carver to the then Akwamu chief and the people of Akwamu. At the age of ten, I was fully under the carving tutelage and control of Opanin Osei, who usually carved the items and then passed them on to me for the final polishing and beautification. I worked with the chief's head carver for about 15 years, during which time I learned the various styles and techniques of Ashanti and Akwamu traditional methods of wood carving.

"I then traveled to the city and stayed with a relative. I greatly owe much of my initial success there to this relation of mine. This is because being new in a big city exposes you to harsh treatments from human scavengers, criminal gangs and business rivals who would want to cash in on your innocence and dupe you out of your possessions.

"Before my decision to come to the city, I had carved about 50 pieces made purposely to help me raise sufficient capital to open a workshop. With the help of my friend, these products sold in no time, to my surprise! This gave me the chance to open my first woodworking shop. I never realized how valuable his help was, until I decided to stay on my own to sell my own products. Being a newcomer in the business, many customers came to buy my products but on several occasions took these goods away on credit; the majority of these goods were never recovered. I learned my first lesson - never sell on credit!

"These experiences helped me develop physically and intellectually, so I quickly learned to read through the trickery of any fraudster. My work began to flourish and achieve recognition. My clientele increased and some of my products have made their way to the USA.

"I have exhibited my work at local art fairs as well as in Mali, Burkina Faso, Togo, Nigeria and Ivory Coast. Now, I have seven apprentice carvers with me learning the art of carving and preparing the carved items to resemble antique pieces."