Ghanaian Handmade Natural Fiber Dakar Mask Wall Art 'Dakar Mask IV' Item ID: 2671804181

Name: Ghanaian Handmade Natural Fiber Dakar Mask Wall Art 'Dakar Mask IV'
Brand: Samuel Lovi
SKU: 2671804181
Price: 279.99 USD
Availability: InStock

$279.99

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About this item

"This impressive wall artwork, created by Ghana's Samuel Lovi, showcases a Dakar mask rendered in deep, natural hues. Finding inspiration in his African heritage, Lovi uses banana leaves on cardboard to craft the awe-inspiring piece and frames it with sese wood. This outstanding artwork is certain to command attention as the centerpiece of any space."

Item detail

9.91 lb
19.8 inches H x 19.8 inches W x 1.2 inches D
2.60 lbs
19.8 inches H x 19.8 inches W x 1.2 inches D
Banana leaves
cardboard; sese wood frame
Arrives framed
Hand-crafted item -- color
size and/or motif may vary slightly
Signed by the artist

Made in Ghana

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Samuel Lovi

"After my studies, I worked with the Glasgow Arts Center and the Scottish Tourist Board. It was not easy to make a living in the arts and crafts field in a developed country at that time. As such, I worked for an American-European company specializing in clothing. I worked specifically in the designing field — designing and mending designs for the fashion house. I stayed outside the country for about ten years, and worked for three to four years before coming back home. On my return home, I worked at the Department of Rural Housing and Cottage Industry, until my redeployment.

"With the training I had, I was able to put my creative skills into use and develop a lot of clay work. I have my own studio and there are more than 70 women training there. These women came from various villages, mostly from the Volta Region, to help in developing the products. What they do most is traditional pottery. Clay pots developed by the women are brought from the villages for re-finishing. Different shades of colors are applied to the pots to make them look unique. I also try to introduce contemporary pottery into the designs to upgrade the traditional way of producing the works.

"I have recently included jewelry products in my collection with the help of a jewelry designer. I use materials which include soapstone powder fired and finished in similar manner as my ceramic ornaments collection. I design and craft every bead by hand at my workshop. As an artist and avid follower of the arts, I constantly look for new ways to express myself through my products and it feels good to have found this in my jewelry collection of pendants and necklaces. I hope to develop this further to include more designs and styles.

"I have traveled extensively outside of Ghana to showcase my products or to participate in fairs. In 1998, for instance, I was invited to the United States, by Aid to Artisans, for the New York International Gift Show (NYIGS). My work has also traveled to Burkina Faso, La Cote D'Ivoire, and Paris for various fairs. It was judged the best of all the pottery exhibitors at a fair in Burkina Faso and was awarded the UNESCO craft prize in 1998 for its outstanding contribution to creativity in decorative pottery.

"I get my ideas mainly from nature and things that surround me. Again, with my training at the art schools, ideas just come to me.

"I'm married with three children. My wife has been very supportive."

Clay abounds in the southern part of Ghana. It takes an expert, however, to get the sand thoroughly washed out of the clay. In fashioning a piece, Lovi first prepares and molds the clay. He then fires the molded piece in a kiln at high temperatures, ensuring that it is hardened to the required strength. After cooling, it is hand-painted with kaolin and oils, providing its distinctive appearance.

Geometric Wall Decor Folk Art Wall Decor Eco Friendly Wall Decor Cultural Wall Decor Wood Wall Decor Paper Wall Decor Natural Fiber Wall Decor Multicolor Wall Decor Brown Wall Decor

Samuel Lovi

Samuel Lovi ceramics and handcrafted jewelry

"Samuel Lovi is my name. I was born in the Volta Region on August 25, 1949. I was granted a five-year scholarship for further studies at Glasgow School of Art (Scotland), which I completed in 1981. I mastered a variety of media. I then went to the Saint Andrews School of Education in the UK, from 1981 to 1983, where I completed my highest education.

"After my studies, I worked with the Glasgow Arts Center and the Scottish Tourist Board. It was not easy to make a living in the arts and crafts field in a developed country at that time. As such, I worked for an American-European company specializing in clothing. I worked specifically in the designing field — designing and mending designs for the fashion house. I stayed outside the country for about ten years, and worked for three to four years before coming back home. On my return home, I worked at the Department of Rural Housing and Cottage Industry, until my redeployment.

"With the training I had, I was able to put my creative skills into use and develop a lot of clay work. I have my own studio and there are more than 70 women training there. These women came from various villages, mostly from the Volta Region, to help in developing the products. What they do most is traditional pottery. Clay pots developed by the women are brought from the villages for re-finishing. Different shades of colors are applied to the pots to make them look unique. I also try to introduce contemporary pottery into the designs to upgrade the traditional way of producing the works.

"I have recently included jewelry products in my collection with the help of a jewelry designer. I use materials which include soapstone powder fired and finished in similar manner as my ceramic ornaments collection. I design and craft every bead by hand at my workshop. As an artist and avid follower of the arts, I constantly look for new ways to express myself through my products and it feels good to have found this in my jewelry collection of pendants and necklaces. I hope to develop this further to include more designs and styles.

"I have traveled extensively outside of Ghana to showcase my products or to participate in fairs. In 1998, for instance, I was invited to the United States, by Aid to Artisans, for the New York International Gift Show (NYIGS). My work has also traveled to Burkina Faso, La Cote D'Ivoire, and Paris for various fairs. It was judged the best of all the pottery exhibitors at a fair in Burkina Faso and was awarded the UNESCO craft prize in 1998 for its outstanding contribution to creativity in decorative pottery.

"I get my ideas mainly from nature and things that surround me. Again, with my training at the art schools, ideas just come to me.

"I'm married with three children. My wife has been very supportive."

Clay abounds in the southern part of Ghana. It takes an expert, however, to get the sand thoroughly washed out of the clay. In fashioning a piece, Lovi first prepares and molds the clay. He then fires the molded piece in a kiln at high temperatures, ensuring that it is hardened to the required strength. After cooling, it is hand-painted with kaolin and oils, providing its distinctive appearance.

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Africa Artisan Empowerment Hub

The traditional arts are a vibrant aspect of everyday life in West Africa. From richly intricate handwoven kente cloth fabrics, to intricately colorful beaded arts, ceremonial masks, and exquisite jewelry, to traditional throne-stools hand-carved for customers by the Ashanti king's actual chief carver, artisans proudly offer their region's finest handmade works of art.

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Maker Badge Job Creator

This artist positively impacts their community through job creation and provides jobs for 2 or more people.

Maker Badge Moving On Up

This artist has dramatically improved their livelihood by working with NOVICA.

Maker Badge Preserving Traditions

This artist uses traditional techniques handed down through the generations and/or creates culturally significant items, helping keep these traditions alive.

Maker Badge Profound Impact

Every purchase from this artist has a profound impact on their livelihood and income.

Maker Badge Microcredit Financing

Samuel Lovi has received 2 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $100 and the most recent for $100. Proceeds were used to buy clay for his handcrafted ceramics and also the soapstone he uses in his jewelry.