Kobina Asmah

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I did not become interested in art. Rather, it is a talent I was born with as it runs through my family. My father painted, and I also have a flair for drawing and painting. This makes designing masks something that comes naturally to me.

Hi, I am Kobina and I was born in Asamankese, Eastern Ghana. I am a hardworking and honest person who loves animals.

"What I did to hone my skills was to visit art workshops where I could observe artisans busy at work designing masks. I was so eager to learn more, that I got a raw mask and started to make designs on the mask and paint it with acrylic paints. The outcome was very good, and that is how I started in this art form.

"I am not a carver, so I count on some people to carve the wood masks and then I create the designs. Since I don't carve myself, I must look for people who are hardworking and committed to their craft, so that whenever they promise to deliver my carvings, they are true to their word and are honest persons.

"I have been able to train about three people on how to design masks and they have all decided to remain with me after completing their apprenticeship.

"My favorite thing about this art is designing metals, which are used to decorate the masks in a most artistic form.

"However, the most challenging aspect has to do with the rising cost of the raw materials.

"Nature and the documentaries I watch on TV inspire my work. My dream for the future is to be able to expand this venture of mine. I hope the next generation in my family takes interest in this art, wishes to preserve it, and give continuity to what I have started."

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NOVICA was started with a dream to create a better world for artisans, because a better world for artisans is a better world for all.

Along the way, the founders of NOVICA discovered something very important - as artisans around the world succeeded, there was also a visible and profound impact on the communities around them.

Your purchases are that powerful. They directly and indirectly provide for education, help with health care, fund basic needs, support children, preserve disappearing arts, and of course, spread happiness around the world.

The founders of NOVICA had a vision of the future that is not one of mega factories producing cookie cutter products for all to cheaply consume. Instead, a bright future that celebrates artisans who take the time to create an item by hand. A future where time is protected, where stories are told, where unique details are honored. Love, respect, inclusiveness become driving force.

For best chance of delivery for Christmas, place orders using Standard Shipping by December 14th. United States shipping only. Expedited shipping is unavailable. Allow for 1-2 days extra processing time. This product may ship separately from other products in your order and may have longer than normal shipping timelines as it will ship directly from its country of origin.

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