hand carved african statues

This friendly African osunu (elephant) raises its long lean trunk to shape the handle of this admirable walking stick. Ghanaian artisan Eva Asantewa Amakye creates the impressive design of this decorative walking stick. Carved by hand of seasoned sese wood, the walking stick features ornately embossed aluminum rings toward the bottom.

Many African societies regard a person with a walking stick with respect and dignity. Usually associated with age, an elderly person using a walking stick is believed to have accumulated vast knowledge and wisdom through the years. Traditionally, the design on a walking stick tells the societal status and political inclination of the person using it.

The handle on this walking stick is fiercely held between the jaws of a mighty denkyem (crocodile), in a design of powerful artistry by Eva Asantewa Amakye. The decorative walking stick is carved by hand of sese wood and painted black to enhance the dramatic effect of the design.

Many African societies regard a person with a walking stick with respect and dignity. Usually associated with age, an elderly person using a walking stick is believed to have accumulated vast knowledge and wisdom through the years. Traditionally, the design on a walking stick tells the societal status and political inclination of the person using it.

Carved by hand, this authentic African mask features an adinkra symbol on the forehead that conveys conventional wisdom. This one is named Akofena, "sword of war" in the Twi language of Ghana's Akan people; the swords represent legitimate state authority. Godfred France designs and crafts the mask by hand.

Ghana's Robert Aidoo Taylor creates an original wood wall sculpture with universal appeal. The hand-carved panel depicts a family tree, with the patriarch at the top, followed by a woman and infant and two other children beneath. The artisan states, "When a family comes together there is always unity, and it therefore brings strength."

"Masks such as this are used by the Gaya people of the Kano State in Nigeria," says Ghanaian artisan Abdul Aziz Mohamadu. "They are used during marriage ceremonies when the bride and groom come from different tribes. During the ceremony, the man wears the mask and lies down on the floor to allow his bride to jump over him. This simple act tells the people present that he will not mistreat the woman when he takes her along with him." Embossed brass adorns the hand-carved African mask, named Tomari – a Hausa word meaning "Jump me, my love."