Ali Mohammed

Ali Mohammed hand-carved wood masks and jewelry

"I was born in Accra and I grew up to become a friendly and curious person. It is my curiosity that has guided me in learning this art and honing my skills. I got interested in wood carving when I was a child, when I used to visit my brother's workshop. He is Salihu Ibrahim, a featured artist.

"I used to go to his workshop when I returned from school and try my hands at sandpapering masks. When I completed junior high school, my parents could not further my education and so I joined Salihu at his workshop. I got paid for the work I did, which I saved to be able to buy my own tools.

"I remember a time, when working with my brother, that he sent me to pick up some items from a friend, and I had to travel a long distance. However by the time I arrived, I had forgotten what my brother sent me for! I felt so embarrassed. I returned without the items and had to go back for them another day.

"Since I am a curious by nature, I always want to find out how things are done. I was good at learning through watching my brother when he was carving, and then I would try my hand and would ask for assistance when needed. This helped me develop and master my carving skills.

"After 12 years of working with my brother, I started to work on my own. I have taught other carvers, and currently I have four carvers working with me. I love the art of mixing colors and affixing aluminum plates to beautify an item.

"My hope is to become successful and be able to assist several people who cannot further their education due to financial constraints."

Handmade: A Global Artisan Marketplace

"I used to go to his workshop when I returned from school and try my hands at sandpapering masks. When I completed junior high school, my parents could not further my education and so I joined Salihu at his workshop. I got paid for the work I did, which I saved to be able to buy my own tools.

"I remember a time, when working with my brother, that he sent me to pick up some items from a friend, and I had to travel a long distance. However by the time I arrived, I had forgotten what my brother sent me for! I felt so embarrassed. I returned without the items and had to go back for them another day.

"Since I am a curious by nature, I always want to find out how things are done. I was good at learning through watching my brother when he was carving, and then I would try my hand and would ask for assistance when needed. This helped me develop and master my carving skills.

"After 12 years of working with my brother, I started to work on my own. I have taught other carvers, and currently I have four carvers working with me. I love the art of mixing colors and affixing aluminum plates to beautify an item.

"My hope is to become successful and be able to assist several people who cannot further their education due to financial constraints."

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.

Learn More

Maker BadgeCaring for Children

Ali currently supports four children who are all under the age of ten.

Maker BadgeEnabling Education

Ali financially supports the education of two of his own children and two others in primary school.

Maker BadgeMoving On Up

Starting off with very humble earnings, Ali has worked hard to grow his workshop and better his livelihood and that of his family.

Maker BadgeMicrocredit Financing

Ali Mohammed has received 6 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $200 and the most recent for $2000.

32 items

Filter

Filters

Sort

Most popular
Price: low to high
Price: high to low
Newest arrivals

Alternate image for Unique Santa Claus African Christmas Sculpture Father Christmas

$119.99

Item Detail

Unique Santa Claus African Christmas Sculpture 'Father Christmas'

$119.99

(12)

Comments

Denecia This Santa is very unique. The detail is great and it is well made. I had been eyeing this for some time. I am glad I finally made the purchase. Looking forward to displaying it.

11 more comments

Alternate image for Peace Bird Artisan Crafted Wood Pendant Necklace from Ghana Victory Bird

$37.99

Item Detail

Peace Bird Artisan Crafted Wood Pendant Necklace from Ghana 'Victory Bird'

$37.99

22 Reviews for

April 8, 2023

N Norma

Absolutely Beautiful!

Reviewed item

January 18, 2023

D Denecia

This Santa is very unique. The detail is great and it is well made. I had been eyeing this for some time. I am glad I finally made the purchase. Looking forward to displaying it.

Reviewed item

January 8, 2023

T Tonya

This mask is a treasure! Beautiful and authentic.

Reviewed item

January 2, 2023

L Larissa

I especially like the bead work on this very expressive, fierce mask!

Reviewed item

April 10, 2022

T Teree

Beautifully hand crafted. Unique and such a find.

Reviewed item

January 22, 2022

R Robert

The photo drew my wife and I in. We collect unique Santa’s and were looking for an Asian Santa — still an if anyone has a suggestion — when we saw Ali’s ‘Father Christmas.’ We bought it and hoped the piece would be as special as the photo promised . It was. It’s a beautiful piece that will remain in our family forever. Love it!

Reviewed item

April 17, 2021

C Cindy

Beautiful scupture.

Reviewed item

February 12, 2021

P Pb

Love this Santa dude, especially his little belly!

Reviewed item

February 3, 2021

J Jo-Ann

Beautiful work, would not hesitate buying from this Artist again.

Reviewed item

February 1, 2021

B Barbara

Beautiful

Reviewed item

January 20, 2021

M Miriam

I love to find Santa Claus in all colors and this one is lovely. Well made and sturdy- looked great with our decorations.

Reviewed item

December 3, 2020

N Nancy

This Santa is a wonderful addition to our family's collection. I love his expression and the little bag he carries.

Reviewed item

November 26, 2020

M Micheal

I love it

Reviewed item

October 30, 2020

M Marian

We all love him. He fit right in with all the others in their folk art way.

Reviewed item

April 10, 2020

D Delores

I expected this mask to be used next year at Xmas time. However, it's too beautiful not to display year round.

Reviewed item

March 2, 2020

A Anthony

All who have seen it loved it.

Reviewed item

December 2, 2019

K Kate

Beautiful and well made. I have been watching this sculpture and finally decided to buy. I am glad I did.

Reviewed item

July 20, 2019

H Hamidah

I bought this because I love the meaning of the necklace.

Reviewed item

July 8, 2019

C Cheryl

Very nice workmanship. Unique and just as described.

Reviewed item

May 11, 2019

M Michele

This fan is exactly what I thought it to be. It is beautifully crafted for the queen that I am. It is a statement, and it only comes from the motherland. Simply put I love it!

Reviewed item

September 29, 2017

C Cedric H.

The necklace always receives notice and words of admiration. I wear it with pride and a sense of fresh confidence. The artistic and skillful creation of it shines through. I love it and it has been a joy to own.

Reviewed item

September 28, 2017

M Michele

My Children are of mixed race and it's nice to see a Christmasdecoration depicting Santa as a person of color

Reviewed item