 Ebony statuette, 'Third World Trouble'
$99.95
This statuette outlines a pregnant woman leading her two little children alongside her, while carrying a curiously tall column of baskets. George Obeng has imbued this work with intelligent sensitivity, amply speaking for the plight of the economically and socially belittled citizens of this sector of the world. The solid ebony wood he employs for the harrowing human narrative is a durable testament to the innate strengths of the African people. Wherever her destination is, this woman carries on with unflagging determination, not to fail herself, her humble trade, and her children - born and expected. |
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 Teak statuette, 'Industrious African Housewife'
$98.95
A young mother walks to the market with poised elegance despite the weight of her basket as she embraces her child with arm affection in this striking teakwood sculpture by George Obeng. A tribute to Africa's working mothers, this statuette celebrates motherhood, beauty, and determination. Obeng hand-carves this piece with extreme finesse and vivid detail as teak lends its grain in celebration of motherhood. A work of admirable artistry, this statuette evidences West Africa's reverence to a mother's heart and spirit. |
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 Wood statuette, 'Roguish Rooster'
$37.95
This proud rooster is a cocky fellow. Nana Adu Amankwapam I carves the bird by hand from naturally dried sese wood. Alert and beautiful, the face is carefully sculpted in realistic detail, and bright bead inlays adorn the crest and breast. |
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 Wood fertility doll, 'Future Child'
$227.95
Short limbs and a large head establish this child as a toddler. Elegant handloomed kente cloth and beads clothe the figure, carved by Salihu Ibrahim. It represents a kirdi doll, traditionally kept by women of the Dawayo tribe in Cameroon. Serving as surrogates when a woman cannot bear children, the dolls are carefully cared for, as they symbolize potential motherhood. |
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 Wood sculpture, 'Ideal Woman'
$104.95
Lithe and active, her energy and fluid grace captivate all those who love her. Walter Kuma sculpts an abstract image depicting Obaa Sima (Ideal Woman) in the language of Ghana's Akan people. Using only hand tools, he carves an elegant statuette that exalts the place of woman in society. |
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 Wood fertility doll, 'Ashanti Akuaba'
$62.95
Kwame Frimpong depicts a beautiful young woman he names Akuaba. Referring to a fertility doll, the word means "Akua's daughter;" Akua is the name given to every Ashanti girl born on Wednesday. Childless women hold great faith in their powers and often carry a doll with them until they become pregnant. Also, the akuaba is a symbol of beauty and wisdom. |
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 Wood statuette, 'Bird of Good Fortune'
$98.95
Crimson eyes gaze from the golden features of an Akan personage. A bird poses on the forehead, bending downward toward the nose. Named Kra Pa or "Good Soul" in the Akan language, this sculpture by Eric Danquah symbolizes good fortune. |
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 Wood statuette, 'Efua'
$38.95
Efua receives her name for being born on a Friday and according to Ashanti tales she was of remarkable beauty and chastity, and all the men wanted her hand in marriage. Kwame Frimpong hand-carves her image from cindera wood with manual tools to achieve the refined detailing that embellishes this doll. Color is achieved with mansion polish. Revered as a puberty doll of cultural transcendence, this replica makes for an exceptional addition to an international collection. |
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 Wood statuette, 'Tuesday's Girl'
$39.95
Airy open work gives a light feel to this charming statuette by Kwame Frimpong. Working with only manual tools, he transforms sese wood into the portrait of a girl. Elongated earlobes frame a face of youthful beauty in a work he names Abena, the Akan term for a female child born on Tuesday. |
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 Wood statuette, 'Be Strong'
$64.95
Young and proud, a thoughtful personage contemplates the message � Hyeden (Be Strong!) Eric Danquah carves a powerful image, discovering a poignant humanity in its sese wood features. During initiations among the Akan tribe, such masks are given to young men as a symbol of strength. |
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 Wood sculpture, 'African Woman'
$32.95
Working diligently to care and provide for her family, this woman walks from the market with a basket on her head and her baby strapped to her back. Joseph Boateng admires her strength and dedication as he immortalizes her through his art. He carves her image from sese wood using manual tools, transforming this sculpture into a tribute to the women of Africa. |
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 Wood statuette, 'Sweetheart'
$37.95
Clad in a dress that hugs her graceful figure, a young woman wears her hair in an elaborate up-do. Daniel Nyadedzor carves a doll seen mostly among Ghana's Akan people, where a young man makes it a gift to the girl he hopes to marry. |
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 Wood sculpture, 'Faith'
$57.95
Beautiful and ethereal as her name, Iman (meaning 'Faith') is a sculpted doll dressed in Hausa artistry. Kwame Frimpong celebrates the art of this north Ghanaian culture with a delicately carved sese wood sculpture. |
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 Wood statuette, 'Horn Blower'
$119.95
This musician from the Northern Ghana skillfully plays his horn. Because practice is the only path to perfection, he has been playing since his childhood and has become a master. After so many years of hard work and dedication, it appears that his instrument has become a part of him. Hand-carved from sese wood and finished with mansion polish to enhance the natural luster of the wood, this statuette will inspire any musician. |
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 Wood statuette, 'Carry Me!'
$48.95
A mother's love is a source of inspiration for Eric Darko. Completely devoted, a mother lifts her child in her arms as he cries "pagye me!" ("carry me," in the Akan language). Darko carves this sculpture by hand from sese wood, blending Ghanaian artistry and abstract originality. |
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 Wood wall adornment, 'Chief Trumpeter'
$38.95
With eyes closed, a musician sways to the sound of his music. Daniel Nyadedzor depicts the village's chief trumpeter blowing a hot, sweet tune. He names the hand-carved wall adornment Abenhyefo, meaning "Trumpeter" in the language of Ghana's Akan people. |
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 Wood statuette, 'Dagomba Man'
$59.95
The stylized curves of this handsome sculpture are balanced and harmonious. Carving sese wood, George Obeng depicts a man from the Dagomba tribe of northern Ghana. These people are characterized by a long, narrow face, which Obeng exaggerates for a modern effect. |
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 Wood fertility doll, 'Wednesday's Child'
$42.95
Kwame Frimpong depicts a beautiful young woman he names Akuaba. Referring to a fertility doll, the word means "Akua's daughter" and Akua is the name given to Ashanti girls born on Wednesday. Childless women hold great faith in their powers and often carry a doll with them until they become pregnant. |
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 Mahogany statuette, 'Thank You, Mother'
$74.95
Masterfully carving mahogany wood, George Obeng discovers the stylized bodies of a mother and child. The infant sits in his mother's lap and reaches toward the warm breasts that nourish him. Paying tribute to their wonderful relationship, Obeng names this sculpture Me da woasi maame, meaning "Thank you, mama" in the Akan language. |
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 Wood statuette, 'Puberty' (small)
$52.95
An antique finish graces this statue by Kwame Frimpong, the contrast between black and red evoking a sober quality. The carving symbolizes the emotional, spiritual, and mental responsibility attached to the transformation of puberty. Frimpong uses a keen sense of composition to depict a young maiden coming of age, her tranquil expression - accented in gold - belying the importance of this life phase. Local hardwood is carefully selected and shaped, resulting in a beautiful testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region. |
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 Teak statuette, 'The Northern Drummer'
$98.95
The drummer plays with an ecstatic expression upon his face, his rhythmic beat a perennial invitation to dance and celebrate. Dressed in the attire of northern Ghana, his image is cast on teak wood with exceptional skill by George Obeng as he uses locally made tools in this hand-carving feat. The drummer's teakwood image is imbued with lively charm and will bring cherished reminiscences to the Africa traveler. |
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 Wood statuette, 'Spirit of Fertility'
$68.95
Standing with arms opened sideways, this doll symbolizes fertility according to the Ashanti people of Ghana. Her face is beautiful and expressive, and she serves as a proud emblem of tradition. Frederick Akorli carves this statuette by hand of sese wood with extraordinary care for detail, and he finishes it with polish and cola nut. |
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 Wood statuette, 'Kalaho Peace Bird'
$159.95
Much respected by the Senufo from northern Cote d'Ivoire, the graceful kalaho stands as a symbol of peace and good fortune if he is seen, for these shy birds avoid humans. Salihu Ibrahim carves the kalaho from sese wood, adding rich brass repouss� to the wings and body. Beads and red cotton cloth add color and texture to a beautiful sculpture. |
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 Ebony statuette, 'Mother and Child'
$92.95
In this exquisite sculpture by George Obeng, a young mother carries a heavily laden basket on her head with grace and dignity, baby on her back. Her beauty is not dimmed by weariness. Obeng has masterfully captured her proud features - the textured weave of the basket, each drape and fold of cloth in naturally dried ebony wood. Kaya Yoo Ke Ebi means "carrier woman and her child" in the Ga Adangbe language. Moh dihn means "the dark one." Lacking capital to start a business and faced with an urgent need to work, this woman hires out her strength as a carrier to support her family. Obeng voices his social and human concerns through his art, as it serves as a vehicle to express his profound concern for injustice and poverty. His work has been exhibited across the world, testifying to the universal resonance of his themes. Because of the nature of ebony wood there often exist marked tonal variations, adding to the attraction of the carving. A wax finish further highlights the grain's beauty. |
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 Wood statuette, 'Dark Beauty'
$82.95
The smooth textures of finely carved gyene wood offer organic harmony to this carving by Madam Adwoa and the artisans of Onyame Akwan Dooso. A crowning loop of headgear emerges boldly, enhancing the essence of femininity, exquisiteness, and modesty presented by the figure. Jet features are illuminated by balanced shades of red and white, while elegant rings ascend her pillared neck. A striking figure to display in a tasteful setting. |
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 Wood statuette, 'Kindness'
$39.95
Portrayed in profile, a mature man shows a kindly countenance. He appears above an abstracted face whose arms rise to encircle him. Nana Adu Amankwapam I presents a beautiful sculpture with a message. "This piece speaks about how, as human beings, we need to have good motives toward others," he says. "Try to forgive their wrongs in order to live in peace and harmony." Hand-carved of tweneboa wood, the statuette is finished with mansion polish and adorned with beads. |
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 Wood statuette, 'Ancestral Guardian'
$79.95
Mbulu ("the oval-faced one") is called upon by the Bakota people of Gabon to guard the remains of important ancestors. According to tradition, the bones are placed in a basket and Mbulu is placed over it. Victor Yao Delanyo makes a faithful replica of Bakota artistry as he carves the statuette from seasoned sese wood. The face is covered in brass, delicately embossed to highlight the work's allure. |
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 Wood statuette, 'Reconciliation'
$39.95
Reaching out, two figures clasp one another' hands in a gesture of fraternity and peace. Daniel Nyadedzor carves a beautiful image from the Akan people of Ghana. Named Nkabom ("reconciliation" or "unity"), these figures are exchanged between parties who reconcile after a serious conflict. |
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 Wood sculpture, 'My Twin'
$67.95
White eyes, protruding teeth and skeletal ribs demonstrate that this personage has died. Beautifully carved by Juliana Akandas, the image is a part of the poignant Yeeyeye, a ritual of the Ga people performed mainly for twins. During the ceremony, the doll accompanies the surviving twin so he or she will not feel lonely. |
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 Teak statuette, 'Remember Beijing'
$199.95
This teakwood sculpture by George Obeng is deeply moving. The man is depicted with a sinewy torso and a determined look on his face. He carries a woman, obviously helpless and agonizing, across his muscular shoulders. The juxtaposition of the contours of their bodies attests to the brilliant carving skills of Obeng. The wood remains in its natural state so the warm glow of the teak can achieve its full expression. Obeng voices his social and human concerns through his art. It serves as a vehicle to express his profound concern for injustice and poverty. He tells us that this statuette is in honor of the first Beijing Conference on Women. George believes that women are treated as second-class citizens, especially in lesser developed communities. His work has been exhibited across the world, testifying to the universal resonance of his themes. |
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 Cedar statuette, 'Akosua Anima'
$72.95
Akosua Anima is a name bestowed upon female children in Ghana. This girl possesses a strikingly flat head, symbolizing royalty among the Ashanti people. Kwame Frimpong hand-carves the piece from cedar, as black and brown polish offer a lustrous and seductive finish. Subdued in its aspect, the work makes a delicate addition to the home interior. |
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 Cedar fan, 'Obaa Panyin'
$52.95
Kwame Frimpong transforms a doll with an exuberant headdress into a lavish traditional fan. Frimpong names this piece Obaa Panyin, which in Twi dialect means "elderly woman." The doll with outstretched arms is hand-carved from cedar wood while the fan itself is made of straw in vibrant hues of green and burgundy. An original decorative accent of great practical allure. |
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 Wood fertility doll, 'Teenager'
$39.95
With budding breasts and gently curving hips, this young lady is poised on the threshold of adulthood. Daniel Nyadedzor sculpts a beautiful fertility doll, gifted by Ghanaian parents to daughters at puberty. Tradition dictates that a woman who cannot conceive should sleep with this doll by her side, and eventually she will be able to bear children. |
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 Wood sculpture, 'Ewe Fertility Doll'
$67.95
Kwame Frimpong replicates the art of the Ewe people from Ghana as he sculpts this doll from sese wood. Holding a protective hand over her belly, this fertility doll is usually put under a couple's mattress to ensure conception. |
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 Wood sculpture, 'Poro Tradition'
$69.95
This imposing sculpture depicts an adult man of the Senufo people, who inhabit Burkina Faso, C�te d'Ivoire, Ghana and Mali. Senufo men belong to the Poro society. Its purpose is to maintain religious and historical traditions, especially through the cult of the ancestors. Juliana Akandas carves the image from African sese wood. |
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 Cedar statuette, 'Adende'
$72.95
His finely carved features settle into a serene expression as he contemplates the solemn funeral rites. Hand-crafted pieces of this style are used in West Africa to commemorate a loved one's death and to honor the dead. Kwame Frimpong creates this bust using naturally dried cedar, finishing it with dark mansion polish to accentuate the wood's rich, gleaming tones. |
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 Wood statuette, 'Merman'
$42.95
With a slender, sinuous body, the merman is well adapted to his water world. The male mermaid is a legendary figure in Africa, where he is believed to have supernatural powers. Abdul Karim Star sculpts the image in naturally dried sese wood, incising a precise pattern of parallel lines across the smooth contours. The piece is finished with dark tan polish. |
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 Wood sculpture, 'The King's Adviser'
$222.95
Evans Doe Martey replicates the figure of an Akan elder standing with hands open and palms up as in offering. The elder's age and a lifetime of experiences have afforded him the distinction of becoming the king's advisor. Martey carves the statuette from sese wood with exceptional detail, and applies a special finish to procure an aged appearance. |
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 Wood statuette, 'Uncle Kwabena'
$47.95
Uncle Kwabena is a village elder who walks around smoking his pipe and imparting the wisdom the years have afforded him. Greatly respected, his name implies he was born on a Tuesday, according to Akan customs. Kwame Frimpong carves this extraordinary statuette of local sese wood using manual tools to ensure the detailed imagery. |
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 Wood sculpture, 'Nomad Tribesman'
$72.95
A tall hat characterizes a man from Mali, and rich textures embellish his clothing. Eddison Agbeko portrays a Fulani tribesman in sese wood, highlighting the work with applications of white clay. Stylized shapes and slender line transform the portrait of a nomadic cattle herder into a work of abstract art. |
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 Wood statuette, 'Man from the North'
$64.95
His wide-brimmed hat identifies the young man as a member of northern Ghana's Fafra tribe. Sculpted of African sese wood, he is proud, handsome and filled with life. George Obeng shares images of his homeland in a superbly detailed work of art. |
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 Wood sculpture, 'Fanti Fertility Doll'
$69.95
The Fanti women of Ghana regard this doll of ornate headdress as a fertility talisman. They place her on shrines or take her along with them everywhere, for the doll is believed to foster conception, preferably a daughter. Kwame Frimpong celebrates Fanti beliefs and customs with a hand-carved brass and sese wood doll. |
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 Wood sculpture, 'No Trouble'
$57.95
Wearing an ornate brass headdress, a man holds his hand to his mouth to stop him from divulging too much. Kwame Frimpong calls this sese wood sculpture, "Mempe Asem," which in Akan dialect (Ghana) means "I don't want any problems." |
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 Wood statuette, 'The Complete Woman'
$94.95
Glorifying womanhood, Madam Adwoa presents this exquisite carving, shaped by hand in her Ghanaian workshop, Onyame Akwan Dooso. The theme is beauty, reflected by its title, Obaa Mua, meaning "the complete woman." Hewn from local gyene wood, the austere facial features are illuminated by delicate brass decorations, shining like a golden blaze. Sure to appease the most demanding collector, the piece pulsates with West African artistry. |
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 Wood sculpture, 'Ghanaian Food Makers'
$68.95
Conversing as they share the work, two women pound fufu in a mortar and pestle, alternately pounding and turning the traditional Ghanaian dish. The savory mixture of boiled cassava and plantain is served with all kinds of soups and eaten mostly by the Ashanti people. Deftly portraying the women dressed in a single cloth, Ernestina Oppong Asante sculpts the pair from native tweneboa wood. She then permits the wood to dry naturally before sanding it to a smooth finish and enhancing the sheen with applications of mansion and brown polish. |
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 Teak statuette, 'Royal Call'
$99.95
His call beckons all to court, for this horn blower is appointed by royal command. A palace regular, his horn is known by all to be the Akan king's summons for a discussion on stately affairs. George Obeng employs locally handmade tools to carve this statuette from teakwood, his exceptional skill evident in the musician's careful detailing. A master carver, Obeng captures the messenger's dedication and proud devotion as he undertakes the responsibility of gathering everyone for the meeting. A work of splendid elegance, this statuette is certain to instill admiration. |
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 Wood statuettes, 'Our Children' (pair)
$98.95
Working in seasoned sese wood, Victor Yao Delanyo carves two figures that portray a boy and a girl. Both are sculpted in rich detail, and both wear necklaces of antique seed beads. Delanyo names them Nkoda, which means "children" in the Akan language. Such figures usually represent children who have passed on. |
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 Wood sculpture, 'Man from the North'
$79.95
Eddison Agbeko portrays a proud tribesman from northern Ghana, dressed in the traditional batakari, a kind of smock. Wearing a tall headdress, the man is an imposing presence, filled with quiet dignity. Eddison Agbeko sculpts the contours from sese wood, eliciting a glowing sheen with mansion polish and highlighting rich textures with white clay. |
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 Wood fertility doll, 'My Beloved'
$54.95
Gleaming brass adorns her face while a long dress covers her childish body. Working in African sese wood, Daniel Nyadedzor sculpts an exquisite image he names Medo Ba Akuaba, "Beloved Fertility Doll" in the Akan language. Tradition dictates that a woman who cannot conceive should sleep with this doll by her side and eventually she will be able to bear children. |
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 Wood statuette, 'Akan Bravery'
$64.95
Aristocratic and solemn, this personage radiates self assuredness. Eric Danquah sculpts the handsome features from sese wood, portraying the man with a high forehead and sensuous lips. Danquah names the piece Kokoduro, meaning "Bravery." Such images are kept in Akan homes as a reminder that courage helps one succeed in life. |
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 Wood sculpture, 'Let's Come Together'
$32.95
Linking hands and standing tall, the force of unity makes humankind strong. Joseph Boateng sends an encouraging message through his art as he carves the images of three people holding hands. "United we stand, divided we fall," reminds Boateng. "There should be love and unity among us, in everything we do." Working with hand tools, Boateng transforms sese wood into an inspired masterpiece. |
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 Wood statuette, 'Teacher's Wife'
$37.95
This beautiful doll by Daniel Nyadedzor represents sculptures given to the wife of a local teacher in gratitude for her support. Elegant and colorful, the figure is named Mata Mallam, which means "wife" in the language of the Hausa people from northern Ghana. |
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 Wood statuette, 'Beautiful Lady'
$64.95
Sculpted of African sese wood, a young lady is beautiful from all angles. George Obeng captures her fine features and proud grace. He names this statuette Obaa Sima (Ideal Woman) in the language of Ghana's Akan people. |
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 Wood fertility doll, 'Wednesday's Daughter'
$37.95
Myth and legend come together under the guise of an Ashanti fertility doll. Ellen Akosua Amoako carves the sculpture from sese wood with admirable dexterity, and accessorizes it with colorful beaded necklaces. According to Ghana's Ashanti traditions, this doll ensures that a woman will give birth to a beautiful child. A second legend states that when a child goes missing, the doll is set at the edge of the forest, surrounded by food and silver coins. This way she'll attract the evil spirit responsible for the child's disappearance. Amoako names this fertility doll 'Akua'ba,' that is "the child of a woman born on Wednesday." |
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 Wood fertility dolls, 'Twins' (pair)
$38.95
Subtle color distinguishes these beautiful fertility dolls. Nana Frimpong depicts a pair of twins. In Ghana, such figures are believed to assist a woman who wants to conceive a baby. Frimpong names the pair Panin (elder twin) and Kakra (younger twin) in the Akan language. |
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