gifts for friends

Rich colors pay tribute to African tradition as Robert Aidoo-Taylor crafts a trendy wristband for men. The bracelet features cords in shades of green, grey, black and yellow wrapped around compressed recycled paper.

By Rita Addo Zakour, this imposing mask depicts a long, slender personage who opens his mouth to sing. She carves and paints the original design by hand, naming it Ogyam, an Akan word which means "friend."

As mysterious as they are breathtaking, three African wall masks exquisitely carved from sese wood and intricately painted by hand in Ghana are featured in a gift set curated by the NOVICA team to add cultural significance and unparalleled vibrancy to your surroundings. The first mask is decorated with embossed aluminum on the cheeks, painted with green and orange stripes and given a rustic finish. The second one is decorated with gleaming embossed brass on the cheeks and colorful recycled glass beads on the forehead over a black background. Finally, an abstract mini mask showcases a raised nose and brow line in red over a yellow and black backdrop, boasting an embossed aluminum diamond motif on the forehead.

Robert Aidoo-Taylor designs this bracelet in gray and gold in honor of Queen Amina of Hausaland. Born in 1533 in what is now known as Zaira, Nigeria, Amina was also a fierce warrior who ruled over 34 years. However, there are some who believe she was a legend and not an actual person. It is said that once when she was imprisoned she had been blindfolded and chained, sentenced to death by poison. Her executioner was given the poison in a cone-shaped bottle and was threatened with death should he spill any of it. He had to untie and remove the folds on Amina's eyes, but couldn't do so while holding the vile. When Amina was able to see how he was struggling, she told him to remove one of her bracelets and use it as a stand for the cone-shaped bottle. Upon realizing she had just saved his life, the executioner decided to help her escape rather than poison her.

Rich colors pay tribute to African tradition as Robert Aidoo-Taylor crafts a trendy wristband for men. The bracelet features cords in green, black, army green and yellow wrapped around compressed recycled paper.

Go bold with graphic patterns and hints of glossy green and yellow. Eliasu Adams expertly balances earthy brown sese wood with the brightly colored recycled glass beads on his beaded bracelet. Crafted with durable elastic cord, the bracelet slips on easily for those mornings on the go.

"This is an ethnic masculine necklace created with the global traveler in mind," explains Nigerian-born Nonyem Abena Ibeneme. She crafts the necklace by hand with waxed linen thread and natural coconut shell pendants detailed with bamboo.

The curvaceous design of this necklace is detailed with modern Ghanaian artistry. By Ralph Ashong, the pendant is carved from teak wood and colored with a clay solution creating an admirable effect. The hand crafted pendant hangs from an adjustable leather cord.

By Rita Addo Zakour, this noble mask depicts a long, slender visage who opens his mouth to sing. This original mask is carved and painted by hand and is adorned with intricately embossed aluminum plating. It is named Ogyam, an Akan word which means "friend."