Frantic Fern and NOVICA Tropical Decorative Objects and Figurines

This handsome mask depicts a person of power for horns are a traditional symbol of power in many West African tribes. "Power is earned and not bought," states Kwaku Ofosuhene Apenteng, referring to the tradition of selecting tribal chiefs according to family origin, not financial status. Apenteng carves the mask by hand from sese wood. He adorns the face with ornately embossed aluminum plates and finishes the mask with hand-painted details.

• Dimension - 21.25" H x 9.75" W x 3.5" D
• Weight - 3.5
• Color - Black
• West Africa

Taking human form, an insect is lord of his kingdom. Ghana's Anna Yawson presents an intriguing mask that combines sleek surfaces with the intricate textures of embossed aluminum. "My love for all animals has led me to craft several animals using wood," she confides. This African mask is her own original design.

• Dimension - 25.5" H x 7" W x 2.4" D
• Weight - 2.51
• Color - Black
• West Africa

Robert Nortey celebrates the customs and traditions of Ghana's Afutu people with this handsome mask. Originating from the coastal region near Accra, the Afutus follow Winneba traditions and are closely related to the Goa people. 'This mask keeps the people from these different tribes unified. It is also said to bring success to all who have one,' says Nortey. He carves the mask from sese wood and adorns it magnificently with embossed aluminum plates and hand-painted motifs.

Product Features

• Color and/or motif may vary slightly
• 19.75" H x 7.75" W x 3.5" D
• Sese wood and aluminum
• Brown

Beautifully carved, these two masks are crafted of native sese wood by Theophilus Anum. The curved tops of both masks depict the adinkra symbol sankofa, a bird with its head turned backwards and an egg in its mouth. Sankofa literally translates to "go back and get it", representing the importance of learning from the past. The handsome pair of masks can be displayed on the wall or stand alone on a table.

• Material - Sese wood
• Color - Black
• Dimension - 18.5" H x 6.75" W x 4.6" D
• Weight - 5.39 lbs
• Hand-crafted item -- color, size and/or motif may vary slightly
• For use on a wall or a table

With pursed lips and keen eyes, this personage ponders the questions set before him. Wilson Aboagye carves the elegant mask, covering the features with brass repoussA. An imposing headdress crowns this image, named Nyansa ("Knowledge" in the language of Ghana's Akan people).

• Dimension - 19.25" H x 6.75" W x 2.4" D
• Weight - 0.59
• Color - Black
• West Africa

Winfred Korley celebrates West African beliefs and customs with a hand carved sese wood sculpture. A girl wears a dress of colorful Ghanaian kente cloth and necklaces of beads. In one hand, she holds an egg. "In our culture, when a child is celebrating a birthday, he or she receives a boiled egg to eat in order to satisfy his or her soul. This is something all the tribes in Ghana practice," the artisan explains.

• Dimension - 14.5" H x 4.7" W x 3.1" D
• Weight - 0.88
• Color - Black and White
• Hand-crafted item -- color, size and/or motif may vary slightly
• West Africa

Millenary beliefs and customs inspire the work of master carver Robert Nortey. He draws inspiration from Ashanti traditions, who seek to communicate with lost relatives. The brafiey mask (meaning "come home") is worn during special ceremonies and rituals. Nortey carves a sese wood replica, which he adorns with admirable loyalty to Ashanti artistry.

• Dimension - 13.5" H x 9" W x 3.9" D
• Weight - 1.54
• Color - Black
• West Africa

Artisan Ali Ibrahim of Ghana carves a sculpture that represents a traditional West African adinkra symbol and proverb. A bird is depicted with its head turned backwards, taking an egg off its back. The word sankofain the Twi dialect of Ghana means to "reach back and take it"; in other words, to return to one's roots or take what is good from the past. The artisan carves the sculpture by hand from sese wood and decorates it with embossed aluminum plates and colorful paint.

• Dimension - 18.75" H x 7.5" W x 4.3" D
• Weight - 3.48
• Color - Metallic
• Hand-crafted item -- color, size and/or motif may vary slightly
• West Africa

Crafted from brass with a darkly oxidized finish, this antiqued bell is created by Teerasak Chaiwong. Swinging from a satin ribbon, the bell features an elephant motif.

Long eyelashes frame watchful eyes in a face that is sweetly feminine. Carved by hand of African African rubberwood, this beautiful mask is the work of Abdul Aziz Mohamadu. "Such masks are used by the Hausa tribe of Niger. It is placed in the room where a new baby sleeps so that the spirit of protection residing in the mask will ward off all evil spirits that try to attack the child, either during the day or night," he explains. He names the piece Maa Yea, a Hausa word that means "protecting of children."

• Dimension - 13.75" H x 6.75" W x 2.8" D
• Weight - 0.99
• Color - Beige
• West Africa

A colorful diamond motif adorns her forehead and embossed aluminum appears on her skirt. By Rita Addo Zakour, this sculpture depicts an Ashanti fertility doll. In West African society women place great importance on childbearing, and a married woman without children is sometimes shunned. Parents give such a doll to the newly married daughter, as its presence in the house is believed to have special powers. When worn by young married girls in a carrying cloth on the back, these dolls are reputed to ensure they will have children. The artisan names this doll Dzigbordi, which means 'patience' in the Ewe language.

Product Features

• Hand-crafted item -- color, size and/or motif may vary slightly
• 17.25" H x 5.5" W x 3.9" D
• Sese wood and aluminum
• Brown

Using a stunning harmonious color palette, West Africa's Abdul Aziz Mohamadu crafts an intriguing round mask from native sese wood. The artisan adorns the mask with shining brass plate and pebbles, then adds a ring of colorful recycled glass beads around the outer edges of the mask. The artisan titles the mask Kellan, a Nigerian word meaning "powerful."

With red lips pouting into a kiss, the original design of this romantic African mask is by Ali Mohammed. He names it "Osramo," meaning "Moon" in the Twi dialect of the Akan people of West Africa. Mohammed carves the sese wood mask by hand and proceeds to painting with a palette of vibrant acrylic colors.

• Dimension - 20" H x 6" W x 2.6" D
• Weight - 1.72
• Color - Blue
• Hand-crafted item -- color, size and/or motif may vary slightly
• West Africa

A wide forehead suggests the wisdom needed to divine truth from fantasy. Half closed eyes nonetheless see clearly in this image named Nyatefe ("Truth" in the Ewe language). Using only hand tools and his vast talent, Daniel Nyadedzor carves this mask from African sese wood. Intricate motifs in brass repouss� add textural interest to a lovely work.

Named Walayo A a Ga word meaning "A woman who enjoys life," this elegant sculpture is the work of Anna Yawson. She works in African sese wood to carve the stylized portrait, and adds the rich textures of embossed aluminum. On the skirt, the gye nyam is an adinkra symbol meaning "Except God."

• Dimension - 30.5" H x 6" W x 3.5" D
• Weight - 2.79
• Color - Black
• Hand-crafted item -- color, size and/or motif may vary slightly
• West Africa

A large, handsome cockatoo makes an excellent companion in this captivating sculpture from Bali's Yudi Suardi. Hand carved in natural jempinis wood, the cockatoo levitates on a base of benalu, or parasite wood, with a naturally flat bottom. Please note the base may vary in shape and size, as the artisan uses found benalu wood pieces to create this sculpture.

Carved from sese wood and treated with clay, this mask represents a female healer from the Dan tribe in Liberia. "It is actually worn by soldiers, but sometimes they need to act as native doctors," explains Salihu Ibrahim. "They believed they will be possessed by the masks' healing powers when they wear it." Ibrahim adorns the mask with jute, cotton threads and stone beads.

• Material - Sese wood, clay and stone beads with jute and cotton trim
• Color - Brown
• Dimension - 17" H x 7.75" W x 6" D
• Weight - 2.57

Sefah Mohammed replicates the unique artistry of the Sanga people with this handsome mask. Sanga (or Sangha) is a group of thirteen villages in the Dogon region of Mali, known as a religious center with many temples and shrines, and is a base for visitors to the local Dogon villages. They bring this mask as a gift to the elite members of the community to show appreciation for their help. Mohammed carves this piece from sese wood and decorates it with clay and painted motifs to achieve an antique illusion.

• Dimension - 18.5" H x 5.5" W x 3.2" D
• Weight - 1.63
• Color - Earthtone
• West Africa

Poised with regal elegance, this sculpture personifies a chief from the Ewe tribe. Referred to as Togbe, the chief is regally attired with a cloak and embossed aluminum details of the face and head. Rita Addo Zakour pays homage to Ghanaian traditions with this hand-carved sese wood sculpture.

• Material - Sese wood and aluminum
• Color - Brown
• Dimension - 18" H x 6.5" W x 4.1" D
• Weight - 2.22 lbs
• Wood grain and color can vary slightly
• Eco-Friendly: carved from natural and sustainable wood

Captivating color contrasts evoke the warm mood of this wall hanging by K. Baka, as black scintillates amid tones of orange and yellow. "Abaa Ye Nii" translates as "we shall eat," a theme the artist relates with bold, intimate lines. The women move in unison, pounding together to achieve perfect results. The wall hanging is crafted with traditional batik dyeing techniques on cotton.

Hand-carved by Salihu Ibrahim, a bold personage represents a female spirit of war. Carved from sese wood, this rugged African mask comes from the Dan people who inhabit the mountainous regions of the Ivory Coast. It is thought to protect warriors in battle.

• Color - Brown
• Dimension - 10.25" H x 6.25" W x 4.7" D
• Material - Sese wood and jute
• Country Of Origin - Ghana
• Hand-crafted item -- color, size and/or motif may vary slightly
• Features a rustic, rugged finish

Pale markings cover the dark contours of a somber mask by Gordon Adu. He names it Donkor, a Twi term (a tribe in Ghana) meaning "don't go." When a mother continuously loses a child to death, Africans believe it is the act of an evil spirit. Marks are put on the next born child to make the face look ugly, and thus scare the spirit away. If this child dies and another one is born, this new child is checked for these marks. If they are found, they will call the newborn the donkor.

• Dimension - 11" H x 4.9" W x 2" D
• Weight - 1.76
• Color - Brown
• West Africa

Target-like circles on the face identify this ethereal winged creature as a butterfly, while some scholars believe it represents a bat or a hawk. Gliding on checkerboard wings, the mask represents a nature spirit among the Bwa tribe of Burkina Faso. Salihu Ibrahim carves the elegant image from African sese wood.

• Material - Sese wood
• Color - Multicolor
• Dimension - 6.75" H x 28" W x 2.4" D
• Weight - 1.45 lbs
• Hand-crafted item -- color, size and/or motif may vary slightly

Husband and wife sit under tall palm trees while their son climbs to the top. As caring parents, they ponder about their child's future and of what tomorrow has in store for them. This moving scene is carved with great detail by Eric Danquah. He is inspired by local custom, when people sit under trees at the end of the day for a friendly chat.

Product Features

• Colors and/or color placement may vary
• 1.914
• 19" H x 9.75" W x 1.6" D
• Sese wood
• Brown

Peacefulness, piety and a humble spirit are expressed in this mask by Made Tresna. He depicts a praying monk on this Balinese prayer figure. "Balinese people believe they will reach a peaceful eternity after life, but all their sins should be washed away with karma and piety," the artisan explains.

• He carves the mask from hibiscus wood. This wood varies widely in its tones and patterns, thus each mask is an absolutely unique work of art.
• Material - Hibiscus wood
• Color - Brown
• Dimension - 9.75" H x 6.25" W x 3.2" D
• Weight - 0.7 lbs
• Signed by the artist
• Hibiscus wood varies greatly in color and grain

The moon's silver glow illuminates the village of Aburi, where K. Baka was born. Renowned for its spectacular view of Accra, this aklowa (meaning "village" in the Ga language) is surrounded by exotic and medicinal plants. Baka uses dyes and pigments extracted from plants to obtain the fascinating colors that enliven this composition.

Daniel Asante transmits personal wisdoms through his art, creating an original sese wood mask. He crafts it by hand including colorful glass beads and threads of cotton and rayon. "This mask is called 'Dabidabi ebeye ye,' which in Akan language means 'it will surely be well one day.' I want to use this mask to tell people that they should not give up in life if they are not achieving a specific goal they have set for themselves, but rather they should endeavor to do what is expected of them, and with time they will be successful," believes Asante.

• Dimension - 20" H x 4.3" W x 2.4" D
• Weight - 0.97
• Color - White
• West Africa

Carved by hand from precious teakwood, animals of Africa come alive in Bright Kofi Agbetey's talented hands. A family of five antelopes graze together on the savanna. "Antelopes are adorable animals and I like their calm nature," the artisan confides.

• Dimension - 2.8" H x 3" W x 1.2" D
• Weight - 0.15
• Color - Brown
• Wood grain and color can vary slightly
• West Africa

Legend tells how a fertility doll was stolen from a shrine in Fuase and taken to a distant land. The children of Fuase were dying and the people consulted a fetish priest who explained the gods were angry about the theft. The women undertook the journey to rescue the doll, and some lost their lives along the way, but the doll was returned. I carved this fertility doll to honor these brave Fuase women, says Winfred Korley. The elegant fertility doll cradles her baby. She wears colorful kente cloth and beads.

• Dimension - 18" H x 7" W x 3.2" D
• Weight - 1.32
• Color - Brown
• West Africa

A symbol of Bali's natural beauty, frangipani flowers are a refreshing reminder of the island's serene and tropical ambiance. Now, this unique environment can be transported to your home thanks to a stunning creation by Made Mulyani. Working with suar wood, the artisan hand-carves this round relief panel featuring little frangipani flowers growing from a branch.

His expression is inward as he clasps his hands over his mouth. Carved from blonde hibiscus wood, the smooth features could be male or female A they are universal. Made Tresna sculpts this enigmatic mask. "This is my suggestion not to speak any bad words," he confides.

Hibiscus wood exhibits colors ranging from white to light gray, dark gray or even black heartwood. This natural occurrence can rarely be replicated, making each carving exceptionally unique. Please expect slight differences in wood grain color and distribution patterns. Theme and artistic quality remain the same.

• Dimension - 7.75" H x 6" W x 3.2" D
• Weight - 0.66
• Color - Beige
• Signed by the artist
• Bali And Java

Carved by hand from sese wood, this handsome African mask is the work of Godfred France. Parallel lines delineate the eyes and brass adorns the forehead. Intricate motifs on the cheeks are created with recycled glass seed beads in the artisan's own design.

• Dimension - 15.25" H x 5.5" W x 3.2" D
• Weight - 1.03
• Color - Brown
• Intended as wall decor
• Features a rustic, rugged finish
• Hand-crafted item -- color, size and/or motif may vary slightly
• West Africa

Master carver Gordon Adu presents this original pair of sese wood masks as a personal tribute to the moon. "In the countryside, when night falls and people are away from home, they use the moon as a guide," explains Adu. "That is why they regard the moon as the God of Night."

• Material - Sese wood
• Color - Brown
• Dimension - 11.5" H x 4.3" W x 2" D
• Weight - 1.89

Salihu Ibrahim faithfully replicates the fertility mask of the Baule people of Cote d'Ivoire. He carves the sese wood mask by hand with male features including a beard and inverted triangles on the cheeks. The mask is worn during special festivities for a good harvest.

• Material - Sese wood
• Color - Brown
• Dimension - 16.25" H x 8.75" W x 3.9" D
• Weight - 5.02

Carved with sublime detail, this coconut shell sculpture by the family of the late Indonesian artisan Putra Suteja depicts brilliant leaf and flower details. It stands upon an albesia wood base for a captivating display. The natural colors and open, airy design bring peace and invite ease and imagination into your space.

Product Features

• Wood grain and color can vary slightly
• 4.7" H x 6" Diam.
• Coconut shell, albesia wood base
• Earthtones or Neutral

Centering his forehead, a turtle gazes curiously at the features of a man. Abdul Karim Star carves a mask of bold beauty, contrasting light and dark colors. He names it Bashunge, or 'Trust' in the language of Ghana's Hausa people. Such masks remain in the family home, representing the bond of trust among them.

Product Features

• Color and/or motif may vary slightly
• 13" H x 6" W x 3.2" D
• Sese wood
• Black