Unique African Wood Mask 'Marry Me' Item ID: 2676646528

Name: Unique African Wood Mask 'Marry Me'
Brand: Evelyn Kafui Ahianyo
SKU: 2676646528
Price: 99.99 USD
Availability: InStock

$99.99

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About this item

"Ornate repousse covers the forehead and smooth cheeks of an adolescent girl, beautifully depicted in a sese wood mask. Perched on the head, a bird reaches a slender beak to caress the girl's nose. Designed by Evelyn Kafui Ahianyo, it is named Onuma, Akan for 'Bird.' A gift presented to Akan women in eastern Ghana during a girl's puberty rites, it affirms the suitor's commitment during courtship. 'Apart from its decorative purposes, this piece gives the possessor an assurance of a blissful courtship leading to marriage,' the artisan affirms."

Item detail

1.48 lbs
17 inches H x 5.5 inches W x 2.8 inches D
Sese wood and brass
CA Residents: <img src="/2015/assets/images/icon/bw6pt.png" width="18" height="14"> <a href="/2015/assets/images/icon/p65.jpg" target="_blank">Prop 65 Warning</a>
Hand-crafted item -- color
size and/or motif may vary slightly

Made in Ghana

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About the maker

Evelyn Kafui Ahianyo

1 Review

"My ability to work with masks is inborn, and my greatest inspiration is to preserve our rich cultural heritage.

"I'm Evelyn Kafui Ahianyo, born in Accra on September 12, 1965. I have two sisters and a brother.

"My masks are unique because I use my knowledge in design with each one. Initially, I wasn't using lots of different materials, but now I use recycled glass and glass beads, aluminum, brass and more.

"I sit and draw the mask creatively, and come up with the colors that will make it stand out. I'm also good at observing nature and this comes to bear when I have to sit and come up with designs after the mask has been carved.

"Although my masks have cultural references, I try to enhance the looks. In Ghana, mask are seen to have spiritual beliefs attached to them, so most people wouldn't like to even hold them. But with the new coloring and designs, people are now comfortable with masks and are ready to learn more about the history associated with them."

Akan Wood Masks Traditional Masks Ghanaian Masks Blue Masks Brown Masks Brass Masks Wood Masks

1 Review for

Evelyn Kafui Ahianyo

November 29, 2017

E Eugen

Very beautiful details. An interesting object.

Reviewed item

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Meet the maker

Evelyn Kafui Ahianyo African masks

"My ability to work with masks is inborn, and my greatest inspiration is to preserve our rich cultural heritage.

"I'm Evelyn Kafui Ahianyo, born in Accra on September 12, 1965. I have two sisters and a brother.

"My masks are unique because I use my knowledge in design with each one. Initially, I wasn't using lots of different materials, but now I use recycled glass and glass beads, aluminum, brass and more.

"I sit and draw the mask creatively, and come up with the colors that will make it stand out. I'm also good at observing nature and this comes to bear when I have to sit and come up with designs after the mask has been carved.

"Although my masks have cultural references, I try to enhance the looks. In Ghana, mask are seen to have spiritual beliefs attached to them, so most people wouldn't like to even hold them. But with the new coloring and designs, people are now comfortable with masks and are ready to learn more about the history associated with them."

Handmade: A Global Artisan Marketplace

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 Badge Empowering Women

The Women's Empowerment badge is awarded to female artisans or artisan groups that are led by women.

Maker Badge Caring for Children

This artist supports children under the age of 18.

Maker Badge Job Creator

This artist positively impacts their community through job creation and provides jobs for 2 or more people.

Maker Badge Moving On Up

This artist has dramatically improved their livelihood by working with NOVICA.

Maker Badge Preserving Traditions

This artist uses traditional techniques handed down through the generations and/or creates culturally significant items, helping keep these traditions alive.

Maker Badge Profound Impact

Every purchase from this artist has a profound impact on their livelihood and income.

Maker Badge Microcredit Financing

Evelyn Kafui Ahianyo has received 9 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $900 and the most recent for $1000. Proceeds were used to invest in a purchase of wood, metal plates and paints to increase production.