Wood mask, 'Wise Ga Elder'

by NOVICA

Product Features

• Delivery by February 14th guaranteed with EXPEDITED shipping if order received by 2/3/2011.
• Handmade by Victor Yao Delanyo
• Ships from Africa within 15 days

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 3 x 5 x 15 inches ; 1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• ASIN: B0002JLCX8

Product Description

NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, offers thousands of limited edition and one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry, and home decor treasures handmade by master artists and artisans throughout the world. Long jute whiskers convey age, and the wisdom acquired by a lifetime of experience. They adorn smooth planes of sese wood, their symmetry emphasized with vibrant colors. Hand-carved and painted by Victor Yao Delanyo, this mask represents the Ga people of southern Ghana. It is use by tribal heads as a symbol of authority. Delanyo names it Sofo, or "Elder." Artisan Info: "My name is Victor Yao Delanyo; I was born in January 28, 1966 in the Volta Region of Ghana. I completed my elementary school education in 1982. Due to financial difficulties I could not further my education, so I joined my brother-in-law who was a master carver, specializing in traditional African objects. I have been working independently for the past ten years and I am proud to mention that my works have been exhibited in the United States, as well as in Germany, Belgium, France and Australia. "I work with ten experienced carvers. We acquire a type of hardwood known as sese for carving masks. The image is first sketched on paper, and then given to the apprentices to carve. We chip at the wood to get the desired figure or shape, then use sandpaper and polish to achieve a smooth object of good quality. I use red and black emulsion paint for the finishing. Other materials used to decorate and preserve our works