Chief Carver Nana Frimpong Nana Frimpong is the chief carver for the king of the Ashanti. Frimpong's artistry has been featured on BBC's The World, Business Week, The Christian Science Monitor, and The Washington Post. Nana Frimpong is the chief carver for the king of the Ashanti. Frimpong's artistry has been featured on BBC's The World program, and in periodicals including Business Week, The Christian Science Monitor, and The Washington Post. He is also featured in Keepers of the Arts, a beautiful hardcover book available through Novica. "I am currently the chief carver for the king of the Ashanti, because of my great ability in carving. Some of my work for the king includes objects with the gye nyame (symbol for the supremacy of God), stools, staffs and other royal and ceremonial objects. I have trained and qualified some ten men in the art of skilled carving. I draw inspiration from traditional kente cloth designs, from my family background, and from our rich Ashanti tradition." "After leaving school I took up carving as a trainee under my father, Kojo Duah. Later, Professor Ablade Glover of the University of Science and Technology spotted my work. I ended up staying under this man's tutelage from 1970 to 1972, compiling additional skills and experience through his direction and guidance. This led me to decide to establish my own workshop. "I would like the outside world, especially those who buy my works, to know that Ghana has a lot to offer – not only in terms of human resources, but also very good products and artworks like the ones that I create. Every carving that I make has a message; we hope that people will enjoy and appreciate the messages of our culture. "My dream has always been to invest in my children's education. I am happy to say that this is now possible – two of my sons are in university, the first of our family to obtain a higher education. My other primary goal is to help my community, so that the poverty that plagues them will be eradicated completely. Above all, I wish to help make it possible for peace and tranquility to prevail in my community and the nation of Ghana as a whole. "My advice to the world is that we should as a matter of urgency stop all wars so as to make the world a better place for everybody to live in. If we all cherished hard work and dedicated ourselves to our professions, the world would be a more peaceful place." Artisan update (2009): "I feel close to Novica because, since we met in 2004, I've been able to realize my dream of providing my children with an education. I have also acquired two cars as well as some land and in some of it I plant cocoa -- all of this thanks to Novica clients. I have gained a lot of respect from members in my community and what's more, people who once disrespected the carving profession have now had a change of mind after seeing the benefits I am enjoying through Novica. Now that I'm in my 60's, I consider my relationship with Novica as my retirement package. Thank you!"

	Customer Reviews
		This is the first piece of carving that I've bought of Nana's and it's a superb looking piece. Because of it's size I am using it with another african piece and it works like an ottoman. A friend thought the two went together. I say all the time it's amazing what one can do with a piece of wood, it's just so great. Keep them coming Nana. - Colemena T, Sandys, BERMUDA I Just recieved my 'Ebusuah" mask, and it is really beautiful. my post card was signed by francis. thank you so much. - Tammy M, UNION GROVE,WI,USA Today I received my order from Novica. I ordered four masks and am so happy with them all. The 'Nteasee' mask that Nana Frimpong carved for me is great. The craftsmanship is wonderful and the expression on the face of the mask makes me feel like smiling when I look at it! Thanks so much, I'm so pleased with what I received today! Best regards, Jeff Huckaby - Jeff H, Orlando, FL/ USA hello.Your ashanti mask is beautifull. Thank you - Carlos R, portugal The African Sun mask we received a couple of months back, now adorns our living room wall. We have other masks hanging, as well as statues and paintings of Africa and her people. Nana's work is so beautiful, we have placed the mask in a place of high visibility. Thanks to Nana and to Novica. J. Knoke - J.L. K, Spring Valley, Ca. EXCELLENT!!! I am so proud of my cedar throne ottoman, The Best Time!! Thank you so much Nana Frimpong for your craftmanship, attention to detail and care in the making of this throne. Its grace is deeply appreciated!! - Thea B, London, UK I just received my "Chameleon Charisma Mask" and it is everything I expected and hoped for. The craftsmanship is exquisite- carving, polishing and laquering are all superb. I will enjoy looking at this every day. Thank you for this beautiful piece. - Shanti C, New York/USA I just received my "strength of the heart" throne today, it is even more beautiful than the pictures detail. - Stephen R, Decatur/AL/USA A masterpiece that I will always treasure. - Ron Smith I received my "Wisdom Knot II" throne today made by Chief Carver Nana Frimpong. It is much more elegant that I expected. It's not often that feel that I received more than I ordered, but this time I do. Thank you so much Nana for your beautiful designs and exquisite craftsmanship! I will have it forever. - Angelina O'Connor, Olympia, WA USA Nana Frimpong, Thank you for the two beautiful thrones that grace our living room. They are magnificent! Thank you also for your dedication to your local community, and for inspiring so many others - there and around the world - to appreciate your beautiful Ashanti traditional arts. Best wishes from Catherine - Catherine Gallegos, California I just received my first NOVICA.com purchase, a 'okofo nightmare' mask. This is one of the coolest things I've ever owned. The mask is beautifully carved and delightfully intimidating. I received it 4 days after placing my order, and have since shown it to everyone that I know. This could possibly be the beginning of a wonderful collection. I'm now truly a believer in the NOVICA.com experience. - Steven K My very first purchase from Novica was from this artist. The piece was the beginning of a mask collection and although the collection has grown it remains the focal point because of the presence it gives off! - Doreen Franklin The mask I bought is beautiful very detailed. I would highly recommend his work I look forward to purchasing more of his work. I can't say enough about how beautifully detailed it is. Thanks Nana. - Tom Cravalho My mask arrived today and I couldnt be more thrilled with it. It is every bit as beautiful as I had imagined it would be.It has been hung in a place of honor in the room created for it. - Jeffrey Florence