NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, works together with talented artisan designers around the world to produce stunning, keepsake treasures. Our mantra is to spread global happiness, so rest assured – we’ll do everything we possibly can to ensure you’re a happy customer.

About this item: Carved by hand of sese wood in the traditional style of Baluba tribe masks, this African mask makes a striking addition to any home. The Baluba people of Africa, known for their farming lifestyle, are native to Zambia and Zaire. Ghanaian artisan Abdulai Osman Adam crafts the mask to feature alternating rings of black and white, with a rustic finish and a prominent nose bridge that extends up and down the face.
8″ H x 7.75″ W x 2.8″ D

• Features a distressed finish
• Hand-crafted item — color, size and/or motif may vary slightly
• Intended as wall decor

About our Artist: ‘It took a painful experience for me to get into art. I had to drop out of school after my dad passed on. My mum, who was not working at that moment, was faced with the challenge of taking care of us. I told myself I would find a job to help keep my younger siblings in school. And I did. I worked as an errand boy for art workshops in our neighborhood and used the tips I got for running errands to buy food for my brothers and sisters. I was fascinated by the way the workers could carve beautiful designs out of wood. I was willing to learn a trade to be able to earn money and thus achieve my goal of helping my family. So when I was given the opportunity to try my hands with some pieces of wood, I was happy and knew this was going to be the beginning of a bright future. This was how I began.’…

NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, works together with talented artisan designers around the world to produce stunning, keepsake treasures. Our mantra is to spread global happiness, so rest assured – we’ll do everything we possibly can to ensure you’re a happy customer.

About this item: With eyes closed, this beautiful visage is covered with ornate aluminum repoussé. It is a traditional mask used in funeral rites by the chief priest of the Yiku clan of Ghana’s Volta Region. The ceremony expels the souls of the recently dead. “The almost invisible mouth makes it sacred because of the silence during funerals,” designer Evelyn Kafui Ahianyo explains. “Its possession assures protection while averting misfortune.”

About our Artist: ‘My greatest inspiration is to preserve our rich cultural heritage,’ confides Ghana’s Evelyn Kafui Ahianyo. ‘Initially, I wasn’t using lots of different materials, but now I use recycled glass and glass beads, aluminum, brass and more. I sit and draw the mask creatively, and come up with the colors that will make it stand out.’

NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, works together with talented artisan designers around the world to produce stunning, keepsake treasures. Our mantra is to spread global happiness, so rest assured – we’ll do everything we possibly can to ensure you’re a happy customer. About this item: A serious expression belies the joy of an abundant harvest. Carved and painted by hand, this handsome mask comes from Abdul Aziz Mohamadu. “It is used by the Chamba people of Nigeria during the Chambalare festival, which celebrates the end of the hunger suffered in the olden days,” he says. “Farmers wear the mask to remember the days of severe hunger. Although the festival is joyous and filled with merrymaking, the sight of this mask reminds people to keep their crops well and waste nothing.” He names this piece Daimuwa, a Hausa word meaning “Worried.” About our Artist: ‘I always knew I wanted to paint, but wasn’t sure I could make a living out of it, so I looked into other fields too,’ recalls Abdul Aziz Mohamadu. ‘I observed master carver Musa at his workshop for a period of time, then I picked up a log of wood and started carving out a mask as I had observed him doing. This surprised Musa and he was willing to help me perfect the skill. I developed a love for this new art, and that’s how I eventually became a master carver too!’

NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, works together with talented artisan designers around the world to produce stunning, keepsake treasures. Our mantra is to spread global happiness, so rest assured – we’ll do everything we possibly can to ensure you’re a happy customer.

About this item: By Abdul Aziz Mohamadu, this mask conveys a quiet joy. Its colorful contours are hand carved from seasoned African rubberwood and beautifully painted. Seed beads of recycled glass adorn the cheeks and brow. Used by the Gogoberi tribe in Nigeria during their Gobirawa harvest festival, it gives thanks to the gods.

About our Artist: ‘I always knew I wanted to paint, but wasn’t sure I could make a living out of it, so I looked into other fields too,’ recalls Abdul Aziz Mohamadu. ‘I observed master carver Musa at his workshop for a period of time, then I picked up a log of wood and started carving out a mask as I had observed him doing. This surprised Musa and he was willing to help me perfect the skill. I developed a love for this new art, and that’s how I eventually became a master carver too!’