Hand Crafted Lion Candleholder from West Africa 'Lion's Light' Item ID: 2671805601

“My name is Michael; I was born in the year 1977 in the Eastern region of Ghana. I am a very hardworking, calm and punctual individual. I must say that carving has been a talent that I was born with; it also runs in the family. But I had to polish it a bit, so my older brothers taught me to finish pieces neatly. When I started carving, in the early stages one of the challenges I faced was that a friend duped me. Also, even though I was a serious person, my master did not pay what I was due to be paid. But because I loved my work, I would rise each day and go and carve. My friends and colleagues were very jovial, and it kept me going.

“As diligent as I was, after a few years I moved on and now I have my own shop. I produce a wide range of masks, candle stands and sculpture pieces with materials like sese wood, aluminum and acrylic colors. My love for colors drives me to create very beautiful pieces. I draw my inspiration from nature. I have taught close to seven people, mostly males, to carve and finish; and at the moment I carve for other artisans as well. Currently I work with my cousins. My aim is to own a beautiful house and be with the people I love most; which is my family.”