Round Might Sese Wood and Bamboo Cord Pendant Necklace from Ghana

Ali Mohammed

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I was born in Accra and I grew up to become a friendly and curious person. It is my curiosity that has guided me in learning this art and honing my skills. I got interested in wood carving when I was a child, when I used to visit my brother's workshop. He is Salihu Ibrahim, a featured artist.

I used to go to his workshop when I returned from school and try my hands at sandpapering masks. When I completed junior high school, my parents could not further my education and so I joined Salihu at his workshop. I got paid for the work I did, which I saved to be able to buy my own tools.

"I remember a time, when working with my brother, that he sent me to pick up some items from a friend, and I had to travel a long distance. However by the time I arrived, I had forgotten what my brother sent me for! I felt so embarrassed. I returned without the items and had to go back for them another day.

"Since I am a curious by nature, I always want to find out how things are done. I was good at learning through watching my brother when he was carving, and then I would try my hand and would ask for assistance when needed. This helped me develop and master my carving skills.

"After 12 years of working with my brother, I started to work on my own. I have taught other carvers, and currently I have four carvers working with me. I love the art of mixing colors and affixing aluminum plates to beautify an item.

"My hope is to become successful and be able to assist several people who cannot further their education due to financial constraints."

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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.

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