sculpture god

"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.

Artisan Kwasi Asante in Ghana creates a truly original sculpture that is formed like a trophy. The sculpture is carved by hand of sese wood to feature the gye nyame adinkra symbol and painted a rich brown. Gye nyame translates to "except for God", and the symbol (originated by the Asante peoples) represents the omnipotence and immortality of God.

Ghana's Abdul Aziz Mohamadu creates the original design of this mask as a symbol of gratitude. Named "Na Gode" – the Hausa term for "Thank you" – the mask is carved by hand from sese wood with elaborate detail. Mohamadu adorns it with colorful glass beads on the forehead and cheeks, as well as with embossed brass over the nose. Mohamadu has designed the mask to either hang on the wall, or be displayed on a shelf top.

Tall and slender, this imposing mask is covered with ornate aluminum repoussé. Embossed brass adds contrast to the superbly sculpted work of art. Godfred France transforms seasoned sese wood into a cultural manifestation from Wa in Ghana's Upper Western Region. "These masks are worn in battle by warriors, who invoke the aid of the spirits. The god of iron then possesses them, giving them exceptional strength," the artisan explains. "They are able to fight to victory without losing their strength. But on occasions when they have gone into battle without this mask, they have lost completely." France names this piece Kerse, a Hausa word meaning "Iron."

The ancient Ghanaian sages transmitted their knowledge and spiritual guidance through mystic symbols known by the region's people as Adinkra. Artist Eliasu Adams tells us more about each of these signs, creating a dried calabash gourd statuette mounted in a sturdy steel stand to display the icon's enchanting aura. The symbol depicted is Gye Nyame, meaning “except for God” in the Akan language and representing divine omnipotence.