Hand Carved Black Sese Wood Wall Mask with Bird from Ghana 'Back to My Roots' Item ID: 2677064288

Name: Hand Carved Black Sese Wood Wall Mask with Bird from Ghana 'Back to My Roots'
Brand: Winfred Ansah Okoampah
SKU: 2677064288
Price: 194.99 USD
Availability: InStock

$194.99

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About this item

"A magnificent piece of decor, this wall mask is designed by Winfred Ansah Okoampah of Ghana. Engraved aluminum plates add detail to the black sese wood face. Hand-carved onto the top of the mask is the figure of a bird. The artisan calls the mask Sankofa, an Akan word meaning 'back to my roots.'"

Item detail

2.54 lbs
25 inches H x 8.3 inches W x 3.9 inches D
Sese wood
aluminum
Hand-crafted item -- color
size and/or motif may vary slightly
Intended as wall decor

Made in Ghana

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Winfred Ansah Okoampah

Update (July, 2019)

“Turning and turning…

“My name is Winfred Okoampah, a wood carver who joined NOVICA 3 years ago. In the beginning, working with Novica was very hectic, because NOVICA quality is top notch and most of my pieces were rejected. But now that I'm familiar with NOVICA's way of doing things, it is much better. It has even translated into my personal works that I sell in my shop.

“With NOVICA, the life of my family has also improved. My kids’ school fees are now well paid, and it has lessened hardship for me and my family. Before, paying my ward fees was painful, but with the sales I make from NOVICA I can access money to pay for it comfortably. My children can now raise their heads high.

“Though I still work in the same place, I have been able to expand in scale with loans provided by NOVICA. I am able to purchase materials to produce new samples in large scale and replenishment. In my workshop, I have employed 2 men who work on a part-time basis when I get large orders.

Original Artisan Story

"My name is Winfred Ansah Okoampah and I was born in Eastern Ghana in 1970. I am a woodcarver. My friends describe me as innocent and serious about work. I hate cheating.

"My dad died when I six years old and it has been very difficult since then. I lived with an uncle who was a farmer. He didn't have enough money to help me to send me to school.

"After I completed fourth grade in 1989, I couldn't continue my education because I didn't have the money for it. I followed a friend who used to visit a craft village and became interested in carving. Since then, I've mastered this craft and trained three people.

"My favorite part about this work is the finishing. The most challenging part is the sanding.

"For my carvings, I find inspiration in my dreams. I use sese wood and acrylic paint. My community benefits from my work by using the scraps from my carvings as firewood.

"A difficult moment in my life was when I fell sick and it took me seven months to recover. I lost a child during that period, but I have managed with the help of God and overcame that.

"A moment that makes me laugh was when a Chinese man came to my shop to buy a carving, but couldn't speak English. We had to negotiate the price by writing on a paper and settled at an agreed price."

Animal Themed Masks Ghanaian Masks Black Masks Wood Masks Bird Masks

Winfred Ansah Okoampah

Winfred Ansah Okoampah hand-carved African masks and wood sculptures

Update (July, 2019)

“Turning and turning…

“My name is Winfred Okoampah, a wood carver who joined NOVICA 3 years ago. In the beginning, working with Novica was very hectic, because NOVICA quality is top notch and most of my pieces were rejected. But now that I'm familiar with NOVICA's way of doing things, it is much better. It has even translated into my personal works that I sell in my shop.

“With NOVICA, the life of my family has also improved. My kids’ school fees are now well paid, and it has lessened hardship for me and my family. Before, paying my ward fees was painful, but with the sales I make from NOVICA I can access money to pay for it comfortably. My children can now raise their heads high.

“Though I still work in the same place, I have been able to expand in scale with loans provided by NOVICA. I am able to purchase materials to produce new samples in large scale and replenishment. In my workshop, I have employed 2 men who work on a part-time basis when I get large orders.

Original Artisan Story

"My name is Winfred Ansah Okoampah and I was born in Eastern Ghana in 1970. I am a woodcarver. My friends describe me as innocent and serious about work. I hate cheating.

"My dad died when I six years old and it has been very difficult since then. I lived with an uncle who was a farmer. He didn't have enough money to help me to send me to school.

"After I completed fourth grade in 1989, I couldn't continue my education because I didn't have the money for it. I followed a friend who used to visit a craft village and became interested in carving. Since then, I've mastered this craft and trained three people.

"My favorite part about this work is the finishing. The most challenging part is the sanding.

"For my carvings, I find inspiration in my dreams. I use sese wood and acrylic paint. My community benefits from my work by using the scraps from my carvings as firewood.

"A difficult moment in my life was when I fell sick and it took me seven months to recover. I lost a child during that period, but I have managed with the help of God and overcame that.

"A moment that makes me laugh was when a Chinese man came to my shop to buy a carving, but couldn't speak English. We had to negotiate the price by writing on a paper and settled at an agreed price."

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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 Caring for Children

This artist supports children under the age of 18.

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

Winfred Ansah Okoampah has received a $300 microcredit loan with 0% interest.