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Galoa Hand Made African Sese Wood Beaded Mask

Galoa Hand Made African Sese Wood Beaded Mask

Regular price $124.95
Sale price $124.95 Regular price
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SKU: SKU: SK-NVC-388308

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.


This joyful mask in light orange is the creation of West Africa's Christopher Nyasafo. Crafted from native sese wood, the mask is adorned with raffia and recycled glass beads in complementing orange. The mask is called Galoa, named after a tribe of people living in western Gabon. Known to disperse evil forces, this is an okukwe mask, used by the Galoa people in performances during births, initiation rituals, weddings, and funerals.

  • materials: Sese wood, raffia, recycled glass beads
  • Intended as wall decor
  • Hand-crafted item -- color, size and/or motif may vary slightly
  • Promotes recycling and reduces waste
14.25 in. H x 10 in. W x 5.75 in. D

Artisan Information

Christopher Nyasafo

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Latest Update

"The years I've been working with you have been my best years ever. I have seen a lot of marvelous changes in terms of my designing, finances and family life. Family-wise, I have been able to cater for my own children's education to the Tertiary level, as well as the education of other children.

"While enjoying success with you, I have also had some challenges, like trying to get land to plant my own trees for wood. It has been very difficult; the price of land is very expensive or it is not available at all. Now my focus is to target a place far away from Accra to purchase less expensive land. By acquiring the land, I can grow my own trees to obtain wood for carving; that’s a way of encouraging reforestation. I know with time I will be able to acquire land to start my tree planting efforts.

"What I have noticed is that, once you get diligent with a project, you will certainly grow. My sales have increased by 100% over the past year. Previously, I was working in Accra, but now I have expanded to the Eastern region. I only do finishing in Accra. I have four permanent carvers who collaborate with me, with one of them being physically challenged.

"It's overwhelming how you've changed my life for the better, to the extent that my children are graduating from the university."

Original Artisan Story

"My name is Christopher Nyasafo and I was born in Accra. I like to carve wood. Growing up in Accra, I developed a passion for carving. I learned from many teachers like Mr. Louis Botchway. I started by helping out with errands outside of the workshop. Gradually, I started to cut logs, then began sanding and finishing pieces. Over time, I learned to love this craft.

"I create sculptures, masks and musical instruments. I use sese wood, soot, cola nuts and acrylic paints. I am inspired by colors, the environment and other artists, and especially enjoy making people happy with my creations.

"I earned a business degree because I knew that I could get further with an education the more I pursued this art. It was very difficult and time-consuming starting out on my own. Finding information about where to get funds to start and sell my creations hasn’t been easy.

"I now teach six assistants in my workshop, and I hope to have more beginners who are willing to learn. I mastered this craft by being willing to learn from my instructors, working hard and being trustworthy. My craft has been a source of income to my assistants who are now taking care of their homes and children. Even the food vendors who come to sell to my workers take the remaining scraps of wood to use as firewood for those who can't afford to buy charcoal or gas.

"My hope is to establish a modern workshop outside of Accra to accommodate and train young people interested in woodcarving. My dream is to establish a farm which will be the main source of my materials."

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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