praying hands

Wayan Kandiyasa of Indonesia presents this hand made statuette of the Hindu deity Ganesha, the Remover of Obstacles. Many Hindus pray to Ganesha at the beginning of a significant journey or event. Fittingly, this statuette is made by giving new life to what would have been discarded material, cast from reclaimed crushed stone. The statuette is finished with an antique bronze colored patina.

Hand-embossed brass gleams on a colorful African mask by Ralph Kwasi Agudze. Red and green embellish the handsome face and the personage opens his mouth as if to pray. An original design, the mask is named Atorna Wo, which means "God will respond" in the Ewe language.

"A dove with an olive branch is a symbol of peace recognized virtually in all cultures and countries. It represents hope and our aspirations of achieving a new, peaceful beginning. It is also associated with purity and spirituality," says Alejandra Paiz of this breathtaking suncatcher.

"I say a prayer for peace," the Guatemalan artisan continues. "And I ask that we pray it together. 'No more wars. We want peace. May this peace dove reach all the homes of the world.'

"The principles of peace are love, justice and truth. Nothing is more valuable than peace, and it's the basic starting point for humanity to progress.

"I share sensations of peace with the beautiful crystals that reflect the sun's light to illuminate the heart and soul. We seek that which gives meaning to our lives. Peace. Let's be a source of light instead of darkness."

Alejandra crafts the suncatcher by hand with crystal, glass and pewter beads, stainless steel ring and wire, a nickel chain and a zinc dove pendant.