priest gifts

This hand-carved throne stool is originally crafted exclusively for royalty. Nana Frimpong, the current Ashanti king's wood carver, bases the design of the throne stool on a vision from heaven conjured by Okomfo Anokye, an Ashanti high priest. Once the traditional structure is obtained, Frimpong gives free reign to his creative artistry, adorning the sese wood throne with geometric flirtations. The seat is supported by an Akoma (heart) to symbolize the strength of emotion and the importance it has within Ashanti belief.

Okomfo is a word that means “priest” or “spiritual herbalist” in the Ghanaian Akan language. It is also the name of this extraordinary mask meticulously hand-carved from sese wood and exquisitely painted by hand in a palette of black, blue, white, red and yellow. Filled with cultural significance, this splendid design by Kobina Asmah is a great addition to your home décor.

Working in ceramic, artisans from the Angel Cerón Artisan Association depict an Aztec priest paying tribute to corn, the staff of life, a fundamental foodstuff in ancient Mesoamerica. "Maize was considered a sacred food, a source of life and, as such, a gift of the gods," the Mexican artisans say. To one side is the Aztec sun stone. Discovered in Mexico City, it is on display in the National Museum of Anthropology and History. The images on it depict the Aztec cosmogony.

Carved by hand, this elegant mask represents imperishability and endurance. An African adinkra symbol on the forehead represents hye wonhye, meaning "that which does not burn." "This symbol gets its meaning from traditional priests who were able to walk on fire without burning their feet, an inspiration to others to endure and overcome difficulties," artisan Theophilus Sackey confides. He covers the features with hand-embossed aluminum.

Daniel Nyadedzor takes his inspiration from the Bible for these charming Christmas ornaments. The passage tells how Mary and Joseph brought little Jesus to the temple to receive Simon's blessing. "I thought of the ancient priests and how they looked, and then carved these faces," Nyadedzor says.

Because each ornament is individually carved and painted by hand, the features may vary slightly from those pictured.