
Handcrafted Ebony Wood Coasters from Ghana Set of 4 'Shifting Earth' Item ID: 2677063945
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"I am Robert Lanyo, a wood carver born in the Volta region of Ghana in 1978. My friends say I am hardworking, very determined and creative.
"I come from a family that works in arts and crafts. I appreciate the skills of people who carved and I wanted to learn the craft.
"I was taught to carve in school. After completing secondary school, I had no one to help me continue my education so I undertook a five year apprenticeship where I was taught by three masters. I had to work hard with determination and creativeness to master this craft, but am now an experienced carver and also craft instruments.
"I eventually I founded my own school. Today, I teach my own students and I also give courses in several orphanages. I love to teach people about arts and crafts so they can learn about the importance of art in Ghana.
"My materials are recycled glass beads and ebony, and my inspiration comes through meditation, nature, reading books and sometimes from people's appreciation.
"I worked day and night in a friend's shop, which resulted in friction between us. But I didn't have money to buy materials or build a workshop of my own. Then I suddenly received help, which seemed to come out of nowhere and I thank God.
"It was difficult when customers would buy my carvings on credit, then refuse to pay and even fight about it. At one point, people thought I was a Rastafarian and because of that, I couldn't earn a living. But I can.
"I hope to meet people who will love my carvings and buy more of my work. I dream of becoming known around the world and would love to establish a formal art school. My community benefits from my craft, as I teach others, and my shop is an open market for the community. The musical instruments I craft are a source of entertainment as well."
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Robert Lanyo hand-carved ebony wood jewelry
"I am Robert Lanyo, a wood carver born in the Volta region of Ghana in 1978. My friends say I am hardworking, very determined and creative.
"I come from a family that works in arts and crafts. I appreciate the skills of people who carved and I wanted to learn the craft.
"I was taught to carve in school. After completing secondary school, I had no one to help me continue my education so I undertook a five year apprenticeship where I was taught by three masters. I had to work hard with determination and creativeness to master this craft, but am now an experienced carver and also craft instruments.
"I eventually I founded my own school. Today, I teach my own students and I also give courses in several orphanages. I love to teach people about arts and crafts so they can learn about the importance of art in Ghana.
"My materials are recycled glass beads and ebony, and my inspiration comes through meditation, nature, reading books and sometimes from people's appreciation.
"I worked day and night in a friend's shop, which resulted in friction between us. But I didn't have money to buy materials or build a workshop of my own. Then I suddenly received help, which seemed to come out of nowhere and I thank God.
"It was difficult when customers would buy my carvings on credit, then refuse to pay and even fight about it. At one point, people thought I was a Rastafarian and because of that, I couldn't earn a living. But I can.
"I hope to meet people who will love my carvings and buy more of my work. I dream of becoming known around the world and would love to establish a formal art school. My community benefits from my craft, as I teach others, and my shop is an open market for the community. The musical instruments I craft are a source of entertainment as well."
"I come from a family that works in arts and crafts. I appreciate the skills of people who carved and I wanted to learn the craft.
"I was taught to carve in school. After completing secondary school, I had no one to help me continue my education so I undertook a five year apprenticeship where I was taught by three masters. I had to work hard with determination and creativeness to master this craft, but am now an experienced carver and also craft instruments.
"I eventually I founded my own school. Today, I teach my own students and I also give courses in several orphanages. I love to teach people about arts and crafts so they can learn about the importance of art in Ghana.
"My materials are recycled glass beads and ebony, and my inspiration comes through meditation, nature, reading books and sometimes from people's appreciation.
"I worked day and night in a friend's shop, which resulted in friction between us. But I didn't have money to buy materials or build a workshop of my own. Then I suddenly received help, which seemed to come out of nowhere and I thank God.
"It was difficult when customers would buy my carvings on credit, then refuse to pay and even fight about it. At one point, people thought I was a Rastafarian and because of that, I couldn't earn a living. But I can.
"I hope to meet people who will love my carvings and buy more of my work. I dream of becoming known around the world and would love to establish a formal art school. My community benefits from my craft, as I teach others, and my shop is an open market for the community. The musical instruments I craft are a source of entertainment as well."

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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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This artist positively impacts their community through job creation and provides jobs for 2 or more people.
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This artist has dramatically improved their livelihood by working with NOVICA.
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This artist uses traditional techniques handed down through the generations and/or creates culturally significant items, helping keep these traditions alive.
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Every purchase from this artist has a profound impact on their livelihood and income.
Maker BadgeMicrocredit Financing
Robert Lanyo has received 2 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $150 and the most recent for $400.
Maker BadgeEnabling Education
This artist is currently supporting and providing for the education of their children, grandchildren, or children in their community, whether it be at the primary, secondary, or university level.
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This artist striving to supporting their own or their family's basic needs and improve their livelihood.
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