Hand Carved Wood Congo Wall Mask from West Africa, "Baluba Hunter"

"I am a wood-carver from Northern Ghana, a hardworking, honest and punctual person. My name is Emmanuel Austin Ankude and I was born on Christmas Day in 1978.

"From childhood on, I have had a natural proclivity for artwork and it was a hobby until I became an artisan myself. During the early stage of my craft, mobilizing funds on my own to purchase my first work tools was difficult. But starting own my own gave me a feeling of fulfillment. I feel proud and to be self-reliant.

"I was greatly attracted to woodworking. I never learned this craft formally or undertook any apprenticeship to learn or master it. It is a God given talent I was blessed with. I find joy and fulfillment in using the gifts of nature to create works of art. I also find my inspirations in God almighty, in nature and in my loving family. I design and craft masks and sculptures in a single process.

"My dream is to achieve the highest level possible in my craft. I hope to give my children the best in education and establish a life-long legacy to be enjoyed by descendants."