hand sculptures

The artist explains that the Kalaho bird is a symbol of peace, and is much respected by the Senufo peoples from northern Cote d'Ivoire. He explains that in his culture the graceful kalaho bird is rarely seen; that they are shy birds, avoiding humans and conflict. And that seeing one is a good omen.Salihu Ibrahim carves the kalaho from sese wood, adding details in cream to the beautiful sculpture.

George Obeng designed this wonderful original sculpture with world peace in mind. Carved by hand from ebony wood, the sculpture depicts two women of different races holding up a clay pot that represents the fragility of life on Earth. "By this carving, I am appealing to the world that we are not the only creatures in the world," says the artist. "Plants and trees, insects, reptiles and fishes both in the sea and rivers, birds and all mammals are interested in enjoying life in the world. The human race is just a small fraction of all creatures, so why are we not interested in making peace our focus and object in the world, to enable all creatures to enjoy life to the fullest. Anytime there is earthly destruction, we only account for human losses, forgetting that other creatures including trees may also get damaged. This carving is sounding a wake-up call to the world leaders and united nations to wake up for the human race now. Humans are full of selfishness, cruelty and greed; these can cause the world to break into pieces. All the world leaders have a responsibility in the matter. The world is as fragile as a clay pot so therefore whatever we do let's do it in peace."

Holding hands, three people of different shapes and sizes form a circle. Joseph Boateng captures their gestures of unity in a sculpture of minimalist style and fluid line as he works in African sese wood. The artisan names this image Nkabom, which means "togetherness" in the Twi language of Ghana's Akan people. "This concept is to bring unity to the people of the world. Let's love each other!" he says.

"Akiligo is a god that is worshipped by northerners, and if the god is pacified during the Harmattan season it gives the people a bountiful harvest. Akiligo is often believed to bless his devotees with rains, abundance and peace of mind." Inspired by this generous god, artisan Emmanuel Austin Ankude hand-carves a sese wood sculpture in a traditional style. The final touch is the steel ring on the figure's headdress.

"Agorkoli is a peaceful Togolese god that led the Ewe people from Togo to Ghana where they reside now," says artisan Emmanuel Austin Ankude of his original sculpture. He works in native sese wood to hand-carve the intriguing statuette.