Hand Carved Sese Wood Mask from Ghana 'Gyele' Item ID: 2671805407

I grew up in Ghanas Eastern Region with my parents and siblings. My mother was a businesswoman and my Dad was a kente cloth weaver. I have four siblings and I am the firstborn of the family. I completed junior high school and then my parents took me to learn wood carving. I lost my parents along the way. I had hopes of going to senior high school, but because of financial difficulties I continued to carve.

"I started to learn carving in 1999, and in 2002 I started working on my own. I was able to save out of my work to produce more works. I had a very large customer base because of the uniqueness of my works. Even though I still had the passion to go to school, I couldnt because I needed to use the money I acquired to help my younger siblings through school. I wanted them to have a brighter future. One of them is currently a teacher.

"I later decided to settle down and get married. Now we have two children who are in school and doing well.

"I have taught four men to carve. Also, I teach carving to students in the second cycle institution. I usually produce home decor accessories in wood. I hope to become known to the international community.”