PORTFOLIO - Masks | Other Carvings

Unless otherwise noted, the majority of Nii’s work is carved from Acacia wood, a wood indigenous to Africa, and features antique brass inlay as well as colour made from natural plant and clay dyes. For more information on Nii’s process in carving click here. Nii Addico is available for commission work. Nii is happy to carve personalized variations on any of the work shown here or to design a custom made piece with a client, including furniture.

PLEASE NOTE: All pieces (or similar works) are available for purchase. For more information please contact Creation Africa.

Carved Spoon & Fork

This carved fork and spoon represents the traditional male and female roles in Ghanaian society. The spoon is a symbol of the mother and wife because she feeds the family. The fork is a symbol of the father and husband because he brings the world home. These wall statues were made from Mangrove, a wood found close to lakes and rivers in Ghana. In the center of each statue, there is a tiny ball encased in the cross of the wood. Together the Fork and Spoon make an ideal wedding gift.

Approx 25-28” in height. Prices start at $600.00 each.

View Larger Sample of Spoon | View Larger Sample of Fork

Combs

Wall combs are decorations traditionally seen in homes in Ghana. The combs represent cleanliness and purity. Ghanaians believe that by hanging this in your home you bring said virtues into your life. The red-brown colour comes from potassium dye. The combs feature both a male or female carving (the female is not shown).

This carving took three weeks to create.

Approx 20” in height. Prices start at $250.00 each.

View Larger Sample |

Ashanti Stools

The Ashanti tribe of Ghana believes that in ancient times the great leader Okomfo Anokye commanded a golden stool to come from heaven to unite the kingdom. Due to this legend stools play a very powerful role in Ghana and in some ways are a cornerstone of life in Ghanaian society. Whenever a new Chief, King or Queen is enthroned in Ghana, they are installed to their own special stool. As well each clan has their own stool that is used during important occasions.

This stool represents a Queen. A mighty sword representing victory and a lizard, a Ghanaian symbol of pride in tradition, is detailed on antique brass on the seat of the stool. It has been carved from one piece of wood. The wood has been dyed with potassium to protect it and give it colour.

This carving took six weeks to create.

Approx 11” in height. Prices start at $800.00 each.

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This stool represents a King. The carved symbol on the legs is called Gyenyame, which means that everything under God is equal. It is one of the most revered Adinkra symbols in Ghana. A mighty sword representing victory and a lizard, a Ghanaian symbol of pride in tradition, is detailed on antique brass on the seat of the stool. It has been carved from one piece of wood. The wood has been dyed with potassium to protect it and give it colour.

This carving took six weeks to create.

Approx 13” in height. Prices start at $1000.00 each.

View Larger Sample of King Stool |

Fulani Woman
This carving tells the story of a Fulani Tribeswoman. The Fulani people of West Africa are the largest nomadic group in the world and are primarily herders and traders. Through their lifestyle, they have established numerous trade routes in West Africa. Known for their fine, aquiline facial features, Fulani women are famous for their attractive dress and hairstyles. Their hair is long and is separated into 5 braids. In addition to their beauty the women are also celebrated for their strength. The woman walk tall, with woven baskets or calabashes on their heads and a baby tied to their back. They are famous for walking all over West Africa. Renowned for their beauty and grace, they are the pride of their society
Indian Rosewood, Ebony Inlay Approx 10" in height $1600-2000.00

Yoruba River Gods (you-row-ba)

The artist carved this pair to honor his Yoruba ancestors who immigrated to the Ghana area hundreds of years ago. Ogun is the God of Iron, represented by the iron hoops that he holds. He is celebrated as the first blacksmith. Oshun is the Goddess of rivers and oceans, represented by the cowry shells she carries. Cowry shells are found all over Africa. They were the first form of currency on the continent and are revered as a symbol of affluence and spirituality. Together Ogun and Oshun represent the elements as well as balance in relationships and between the sexes.  This pair is considered to be highly spiritual as well as source of luck and wealth.
 
Acacia Wood, Iron, Cowry Shells, Hemp Twine $700-1000 for the pair

Dogon Art Board
This carving celebrates the Dogon tribe of Mali, one of the oldest tribes in West Africa. The mask in the center represents the strong spirit of the tribe. Dogon people believe that the entire natural world is spiritual.  A man and a woman are carved into each corner to represent balance. The lizards symbolize the hope that the Dogon traditions will continue and that life goes on. The birds represent protection and safety. Note the cowry shells around the frame, these shells are a symbol of wealth (both material and spiritual) and were the first currency in Africa.
Acacia Wood, Kola Nut Dye, Clay Approx 28” in height $600

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