Unique Hand Crafted Wood and Metal African Mask, "Yaa Asantewa"

"I was born at Nsawam in Southern Ghana on February 16. I am very sociable and love making friends.

My story all began at a tender age when my parents had to move to Nigeria to seek greener pastures and be able to take care of us. I was left in the care of a relative. Initially things worked out well for my parents and so they sent money down for my upkeep but, after some time, the money was not forthcoming due to economic hardship for my parents.

"I had to drop out of school and take care of myself. What I did at those times was to go to the bush to gather sticks for firewood, which I'd sell. The money from the sales I made is what I lived on.

"While at this business, a friend invited me to accompany him to an art shop to sandpaper carved items and get paid. Initially, I was not interested but at my friend's persistence, I decided to give it a try.

"I spent about six years on this job and, while sandpapering, I observed other carvers busy at their work. I became interested in getting to know more. Seeing the interest I had to learn more, Mustapha, the master at the shop, taught me how to work with aluminum to design the objects.

"After working with the master for a while, he had an order and included me among his permanent workers. This helped me to get a good sum of money to purchase working tools for myself.

"I always knew that if I could not climb higher academically, I could make a good life out of this new field of carving. I put all myself into this craft I have found.

"All has not been serious, serious. I have had some funny moments in my life, too. I remember I once went to the farm with a relative and, while relaxing during the afternoon, I was curious to know what was in the valve of the bicycle I rode onto the farm. I loosened the valve — and to my amazement, the tire became flat! Not really sure of the situation, I kept it to myself. After the day's work when we had to return home, I realized I couldn't use the bicycle because we did not have a pump to inflate the tire. As tired as I was, I had to carry my bicycle while walking because I couldn't leave it on the farm.

"I use aluminum, copper, brass and sese wood for my carvings, but today, I consider myself more as a designer than a carver. I teach my assistants to produce my designs to the specific measurements I request and also to use good wood.

"My dream is to be successful in this art so that I can assist deprived people in my community. I dream of one day being able to employ many people."