Handcrafted Sese Wood Fertility Doll from Ghana, "Beaded Queen"

"I was born in Asamankese in Eastern Ghana and I'm a wood carver. I am friendly, a philanthropist and I work hard.

"I became interested in carving at a young age. There was an elderly man living in our neighborhood who carved fascinating objects from wood. I used to wonder how wood could be carved into such interesting shapes. While growing up, I worked at a printing press, but, in my heart, I knew I had to follow my passion for carving.

"After six years at the printing press company, I approached Mr. Akuffo, a renowned carver, to train me. He was happy to teach me different carving skills. I took about a year to learn. While learning, I took on part-time jobs to help start a workshop on my own. Combining these two wasn't easy but it finally paid off. I am now teaching ten people.

"I teach anyone willing to learn in my community. I look for a passion for carving in new trainees and they tend to learn fast. Hard work and patience have been the keys to mastering this craft. These are values I share with the young people who come to learn from me.

"I use materials like sese wood, acrylic paint and aluminum. My hope is to own a big workshop in the future to train and employ more people."