Kobina Asmah

Kobina Asmah African masks

"I did not become interested in art. Rather, it is a talent I was born with as it runs through my family. My father painted, and I also have a flair for drawing and painting. This makes designing masks something that comes naturally to me.

"Hi, I am Kobina and I was born in Asamankese, Eastern Ghana. I am a hardworking and honest person who loves animals.

"What I did to hone my skills was to visit art workshops where I could observe artisans busy at work designing masks. I was so eager to learn more, that I got a raw mask and started to make designs on the mask and paint it with acrylic paints. The outcome was very good, and that is how I started in this art form.

"I am not a carver, so I count on some people to carve the wood masks and then I create the designs. Since I don't carve myself, I must look for people who are hardworking and committed to their craft, so that whenever they promise to deliver my carvings, they are true to their word and are honest persons.

"I have been able to train about three people on how to design masks and they have all decided to remain with me after completing their apprenticeship.

"My favorite thing about this art is designing metals, which are used to decorate the masks in a most artistic form.

"However, the most challenging aspect has to do with the rising cost of the raw materials.

"Nature and the documentaries I watch on TV inspire my work. My dream for the future is to be able to expand this venture of mine. I hope the next generation in my family takes interest in this art, wishes to preserve it, and give continuity to what I have started."

Handmade: A Global Artisan Marketplace

"Hi, I am Kobina and I was born in Asamankese, Eastern Ghana. I am a hardworking and honest person who loves animals.

"What I did to hone my skills was to visit art workshops where I could observe artisans busy at work designing masks. I was so eager to learn more, that I got a raw mask and started to make designs on the mask and paint it with acrylic paints. The outcome was very good, and that is how I started in this art form.

"I am not a carver, so I count on some people to carve the wood masks and then I create the designs. Since I dont carve myself, I must look for people who are hardworking and committed to their craft, so that whenever they promise to deliver my carvings, they are true to their word and are honest persons.

"I have been able to train about three people on how to design masks and they have all decided to remain with me after completing their apprenticeship.

"My favorite thing about this art is designing metals, which are used to decorate the masks in a most artistic form.

"However, the most challenging aspect has to do with the rising cost of the raw materials.

"Nature and the documentaries I watch on TV inspire my work. My dream for the future is to be able to expand this venture of mine. I hope the next generation in my family takes interest in this art, wishes to preserve it, and give continuity to what I have started."

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 BadgeCaring for Children

Kobina has two children of his own and helps support the education of four other children in his community.

Maker BadgeEnabling Education

With the help of his income from NOVICA, Kobina was able to support his children and their education. They are now grown up and able to support themselves. Kobina sees education as something very important to him and his heart breaks when he sees children walking around or working instead of attending school. He currently helps support four children of single mothers and pays for their education. The oldest one is about to graduate high school and it has been his dream to attend university. Kobina is working hard to save and gather funds to help him achieve his dream and further his education.

Maker BadgeJob Creator

Kobina is a conceptual artist, designer and finisher. He depends on carvers to help him bring his designs to life. Every product purchased helps support him and those he works with.

Maker BadgeProfound Impact

Most of Kobina's income is from NOVICA and, although sales have been good recently, a large portion of his income goes to supporting the education of four children. Paying for their education is a huge financial burden but is a constant motivation for him to create and sell more designs.

Maker BadgeMoving On Up

Kobina started out with very a very humble income and has now been able to increase it every year further enabling him to support himself and his community.

Maker BadgeElder Master

This artist is an elder master and continues to actively practice their craft.

Maker BadgeMicrocredit Financing

Kobina Asmah has received 8 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $100 and the most recent for $500. Proceeds were used to invest in a bulk purchase of wood, aluminum plates, and sandpaper.

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Alternate image for Adinkra Symbol Bird Wood Sculpture with Glass Beads My Lovely Bird

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Adinkra Symbol Bird Wood Sculpture with Glass Beads 'My Lovely Bird'

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Comments

Margaret Took ages to come but is utterly beautiful. I have to thank the artisan from the bottom of my heart for such a treasure. My beautiful Sankofa

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The shelves are empty for now.Every piece Kobina Asmah makes is one of a kind, and they've all found homes. Follow to be first to see the next collection. Follow Kobina Asmah.

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