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Emmanuel Nyadedzor

Emmanuel Nyadedzor

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Emmanuel Nyadedzor

Masks and carvings in West Africa

"The nicest part about my craft is seeing several carved works lying down in the workshop, I get excited to know they may all go to different places in the world."

Ghanaian brothers Emmanuel and Daniel Nyadedzor have been working with Novica for many years. "After completing a course in auto mechanics, getting a job was difficult and neither my parents nor I could afford the high cost of the machinery I would need to set up on my own," recalls Emmanuel.

"I struggled by doing menial jobs, but I managed to save part of the little earnings I made. After some years, I had enough money to buy a small piece of land and raise a wooden store, but I didn't know what to sell. I remember one day, while standing in the shop still contemplating on what to do, I saw a young man hawking and selling carved figures. I admired this art work and so I decided to find out from how he got such items. All along I thought such art works were imported, so I was amazed when I was told they were hand-carved by local artisans!

"I became curious and wanted to know more. I gathered information on where I could see people actually carve these items. I was thrilled at the way they transformed a log of wood could be used to create such interesting and beautiful items. I wanted to be able to do it too!

"I started buying the finished pieces to sell at my shop and I happened to meet a man whose skill was in designing masks. I befriended this man and so when I'd close the shop for the day, I would walk to his workshop and observe the way he designed, and decided to by raw masks for this man to finish them for my shop.

"However, we had a strong argument and I decided I was going to design the mask all by myself. I went to the market the following day to get the raw materials I saw the friend use, and then came to try it out myself. My background in auto mechanics became very useful at this point because of my knowledge in cutting and designing of metals. I employed this skill, as well as the skill I learned from my father who was a blacksmith. My first attempt at designing a mask was appreciated by customers and this encouraged me to continue. With constant practice I entered the world of art.

"Since then, I have taught about 10 people how to design art pieces. Four of the people of them stayed on and the others have set up their own business.

"My source of inspiration has been through dreams about me carving a particular design, so when I wake up I immediately put the design on paper in order not to lose the idea.

"The nicest part about my craft is seeing several carved works lying down in the workshop, I get excited to know they may all go to different places in the world. But the most challenging part of it is trying to get a finished piece dry during the raining season.

"My dream is to expand my workshop, including building a place for my team to be able to rest."

Although initially working together, Daniel is no longer working with Emmanuel.

Cause Badges

Microcredit Financing

Preserving Traditions

Profound Impact

Caring for Children

60 items by Emmanuel Nyadedzor

Reviews by Customers

Artist rating

Total reviews

35

Susan

Verified Reviewer

06/10/2020

"Cute"

She is so cute and fun

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Purchased Item:

Sweetheart, African Wood Sculpture

Elizabeth

Verified Reviewer

05/28/2020

"Made with Magic Hands"

Not only are these wood combs made with such skill and detail, they came wrapped so delicately and professionally. I will be a return shopper!

Best Uses

It adds texture and intrigue to any wall

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Purchased Item:

Ashanti Wisdom, Handcrafted Wood Wall Combs (Set of 3)

Diana W

From Ventura, CA USA

Verified Reviewer

05/26/2020

"I really like these"

We hang these on our Christmas tree each year. Full of character!

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Purchased Item:

Priests, Handcrafted Wood Christmas Ornaments (Set of 3)

Timothy

Verified Reviewer

04/02/2020

"So handsome and beautiful!"

I just received this regal guy and he is even more than I expected. Luckily I got him before they ran out! Highly recommence him!

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Purchased Item:

Elephant's Effort, Wood Elephant Mask from West Africa

Jeannette

Verified Reviewer

12/03/2019

"Green with emotions of joy"

The balance of metal work and color is amazing. Simple, yet striking without being too overbearing. Nice addition to any collection.

Tags By Jeannette

Metal Work

Best Uses

Wall Decor

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Purchased Item:

Green Giant, Original Green West African Hand-Carved Sese Wood Wall Mask

Julie

Verified Reviewer

10/24/2019

"Lovely well made mask!"

Gave this to my husband for Christmas, he loves it and we have it hanging in our covered breezeway. Thanks Novica!

Best Uses

Wall decor

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Purchased Item:

Green Giant, Original Green West African Hand-Carved Sese Wood Wall Mask

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