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: “Those who give will receive blessings and good fortunes,” believes Juliana Akandas, one of a few women carvers in Ghana. Her design masterfully replicates the Saleka mask of the Hausa people in northern Ghana. Carved from African sese wood, it is decorated with embossed aluminum plates and painted details. According to Hausa customs, it is traditional to give alms to the needy during festivals, therefore people hang the Saleka (“giving”) mask outside their homes to communicate they will be giving to the poor.

About our Artist: Juliana Akandas became interested in Ghanaian carvings while working as a secretary, so she learned woodcarving. ‘My favorite is the Akuaba doll. When given this doll, any woman who cannot have babies is believed likely to get pregnant. I was so fascinated with all this that I decided to learn the trade, and did so through a carver in Aburi. My products are unique; they have a meaning and they are backed by history. Almost all my masks have a meaning and a history behind them.’

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: Projecting divine elegance, this mask from the Bambara people of Guinea is revered with solemn dignity. For the Bambara people, it is believed to bring a good harvest. Abubakari Alhassan carves the sese wood replica with sublime detail featuring two horned faces.

About our Artist: Abubakari Alhassan says, ‘My interest in the arts and carvings started at a very tender age, as I was fascinated by pieces of wood and calabashes. Because of the strict work ethics of ‘do it best the first time,’ my carving tutor never graduated any of his students until he was sure that he was sending out a good carver. For this reason, I spent five years under his tutelage. With good planning, I started saving little monies from towards expanding my workshop.’

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: Rita Addo Zakour demonstrates her creative skills with this delightful African mask. Covered by symmetrical motifs, the face depicts a demure and beautiful woman. The piece is carved by hand from native sese wood and richly embellished with embossed aluminum and brass. Its style comes from the Dan people of Cote d’Ivoire and Liberia.

About our Artist: As an artist, Rita Addo Zakour proudly includes African themes into her designs. ‘Having a passion for creating more designs inspires me, and I have taught this art to a number of people. The basic materials I use are sese wood and aluminum sheets. My favorite things in life are cooking and being with my family. I dream that we’ll one day have enough so I can also give back to others.’

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: Brilliant color conveys both joy and gratitude in this elegant mask by Abdul Aziz Mohamadu. Symmetrical features narrow from wide eyes to a narrow chin and voluptuous lips, while aluminum repoussé creates a triangle on the wide forehead. “This mask is used by the Goroshie tribe in Nigeria during their harvest festival called Motaka Rafi,” the artisan explains. He names this exquisite piece Bawule – a Hausa word meaning “God gives.”

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: Eufrosia Pantaleon is inspired by the legendary Olmec heads in the design of this mask. Believed to represent governors, the original gigantic heads are carved from stone. Pantaleon reinterprets these archeological treasures with this ceramic mask. She paints the blue, green, red, orange, pink and beige mask with extraordinary detail in celebration of Mexico’s flora and fauna.

– Signed by the artist

About our Artist: ‘I was born and raised in a small village in the state of Guerrero, and I learned at a very young age how to paint on ceramic. My father taught me, and I can still remember the very first piece I painted – it was a lizard. Due to our family’s financial situation I was only able to go to primary school. Painting and decorating ceramic not only represents a way to make a living, but to me it’s an art form that allows me to express my feelings and capture the beauty of nature.’

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: Crowned with double horns, this mask by Salihu Ibrahim depicts a bird that represents a flying spirit. The design comes from the Bwa tribe of Côte d’Ivoire, and these spirits are portrayed with geometric shapes as they have no physical form. Bright color distinguishes the handsome carving.

About our Artist: ‘Upon the death of my father, I was sent to live with one of my father’s closest friends, a renowned traditional carver to the then Akwamu chief and the people of Akwamu,’ Salihu Ibrahim says. ‘I worked with him for about 15 years, during which time I learned the styles and techniques of the Ashanti and Akwamu people. My work began to flourish and achieve recognition, and today, I have apprentice carvers working with me to learn the art of carving.’

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 master of traditional African design, Godfred France creates a mask that arises from his own imagination. Its serene circular shape is harmonious, balanced by big round eyes and a gently rounded mouth. But it is the rich repoussé ornamentation that distinguishes this handcrafted work of art. It is named Gratu, a Hausa word that means “protection.”

About our Artist: As a child, Godfred France used to make boats with worn-out metal utensils, which he’d float in water. ‘Due to financial constraints, my parents could not further my education and so I had to drop out of school and join my uncle, who was a wood carver. Thanks to the woodcarving, I’ve been able to educate my four children and I know that with constant sales, I’ll be able to give them a brighter future than I had. This motivates me to wake up each day to carve!’