handmade instruments

Rhythms from reclaimed metal come alive in this traditional Ghanaian atoke, a forged iron bell that curves like a banana or canoe and delivers the crisp, percussive tones essential to Ewe and Ashanti music. Designed by George Akologo and handcrafted by local artisans from salvaged iron scraps, this instrument fits comfortably in your palm while you strike it with the included pick, producing the distinctive metallic voice that has kept time for dancers and drummers across Ghana, Togo and Benin for generations. Each bell represents centuries of musical tradition transformed through sustainable practice, proving that yesterday's cast-offs can become today's resonant treasure.

Painted and carved by hand from bamboo with six aluminum pipes of descending size, these petite wind chimes are the best allies in your quest for relaxation and serenity. Designed by Balinese artisan Trisna Dewi, the chimes' soothing sounds are guaranteed as the pipes come already tuned, so you only need to hang them in your favorite spot from the natural agel grass cord and enjoy the peace they bring.

Delightful sun and swirl motifs are hand-painted on these exquisite wind chimes designed by Balinese artisan Trisna Dewi. Fourteen aluminum pipes of descending size hang from a hand-carved bamboo base tied together with nylon and natural agel grass cords for a decorative accent that will also produce a calming effect every time the wind hits the cylinders.

Let the breeze bring music to your garden with this set of wind chimes from Bali. Trisna Dewi crafts these chimes from bamboo, using three black cylinders of descending size that are marked with sunny and geometric designs. Below these cylinders, hand-tuned aluminum chimes dangle from natural agel grass cord.

A hollow tambora drum takes the shape of a woman, eloquently carved from sese wood by Salihu Ibrahim. "This drum is used by the Dan tribe from Liberia," he says. It can be played from the small space where the sticks are placed or from the big space in front, each creating a different sound. This is not an ordinary drum. It is played only when warriors are about to dance during harvest festivals to show off their powers, because when this drum is played a special spirit possesses them that enables them to win their battles." Applications of white clay give the piece an antique appearance.

Waves of folk art details go around this djembe drum to celebrate the musical traditions of the Ghanaian region. Artisan George Akologo combines black and light brown hues in this mahogany wood drum, accented with a leather top and a braided strap.

Replace industrial writing instruments with this handcrafted pencil made from reclaimed newspaper. The brainchild of Irapuato, Mexico native Daniel Piceno, this unique pencil generates awareness for sustainably made goods and repurposed waste while also highlighting the creativity of Mexican artists with its vintage newspaper aesthetic and noteworthy green eraser. Crafting this pencil, Daniel invests many hours into first sourcing the raw material from publishers, then ironing and cutting the rough newspaper before rolling it in layers around the graphite core. Each pencil receives its own unique paper, design and character, plus a signed certificate of authenticity from Daniel.