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Floral Wisdom Hand-Painted Pinewood Elephant Mask from Guatemala

Floral Wisdom Hand-Painted Pinewood Elephant Mask from Guatemala

Regular price $58.95
Sale price $58.95 Regular price
Sale Sold out

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SKU: SKU: SK-NVC-329194

Product Features

Working with Fair Trade certified organizations is an important part of what we do. This product is made by artisans that are fairly compensated for their skilled work, and helps provide a living wage as well as safe work conditions.


Hand-painted in blue and yellow with floral motifs, this wall mask is crafted of pinewood in the shape of an elephant's face. Guatemala's Arturo Aj Canil designs the mask, inspired by the elephant's innate sense of wisdom.

  • materials: Pinewood
  • Signed by the artist
  • Hand-crafted item -- color, size and/or motif may vary slightly
  • Intended as wall decor
9 in. H x 5 in. W x 2.8 in. D

Artisan Information

Arturo Aj Canil

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I was born in Chichicastenango, a wonderful place to grow up as my life has always been filled with color. I carve masks from wood and am the fourth generation of my family to do so.

My late uncle was the first in the family to become a wood-carver and I was always passionate about this art. I loved the colors and playing with their combinations. I'd go to the workshop with my father and stay there in the evenings to mix colors and create unique designs.

"My masks have always been the result of trial and error and, when I don't like something about them, I paint them again and again until I achieve something I really like.

"With my brothers and my dad, we began experimenting with branches and roots. We gave them all kinds of forms, such as snakes, jaguars, goats and octopus shapes and I loved bringing all these images to life. In fact, I still have some of those early wood carvings.

"I entered two of my carvings in a contest — one of them had taken me months because there was something about it I didn't like. The day before the contest, inspiration came to me and I finished it in a single night. The funny part is that it took first prize! This was such a great experience that I remember it fondly. It taught me to do everything with dedication and love.

"Along the way, I've met people who like my art and appreciate the hard work that goes into it. Thanks to these shoppers, I've been able to meet my family's needs each day.

"I love to create images that reflect our customs and traditions. It's exciting to work with dedication because my designs are going to decorate your homes.

"I'm the father of five beautiful daughters and I'm totally in love with them. They are the ones who keep me going every day. I dream of giving them a college education and hope they will continue this art and hand it down to future generations."

Supplier Information

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NOVICA was started with a dream to create a better world for artisans, because a better world for artisans is a better world for all.

Along the way, the founders of NOVICA discovered something very important - as artisans around the world succeeded, there was also a visible and profound impact on the communities around them.

Your purchases are that powerful. They directly and indirectly provide for education, help with health care, fund basic needs, support children, preserve disappearing arts, and of course, spread happiness around the world.

The founders of NOVICA had a vision of the future that is not one of mega factories producing cookie cutter products for all to cheaply consume. Instead, a bright future that celebrates artisans who take the time to create an item by hand. A future where time is protected, where stories are told, where unique details are honored. Love, respect, inclusiveness become driving force.

Shipping

United States shipping only. Expedited shipping is unavailable. Allow for 1-2 days extra processing time. This product may ship separately from other products in your order and may have longer than normal shipping timelines as it will ship directly from its country of origin.

Returns

All sales of this product are final -- we do not accept returns or issue replacements unless there is a defect with the product. Please review our Returns & Exchanges policy.

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