protection

Candra Suwitra specializes in wood animal figurines like this captivating design of a powerful buffalo. The Indonesian artisan uses Suar wood to craft, carve and paint by hand a figurine with a unique rustic finish that will go well in any space.

Salihu Ibrahim crafts a striking mask intended to protect and fight evil where it hangs. He calls the mask Toura, which in the language of Ghana's Hausa people means "Strong." Ibrahim crafts the mask by hand with sese wood featuring a jute hair and beard, as well as a headdress trimmed with raffia. Red cotton threads trim the aluminum mask over the large, expressive eyes.

The Hamsa symbol, a key element for protection and good luck in many cultures, takes center stage in this colorful pencil holder. Handcrafted with pine wood by Mexican artisan Ana Maria Gonzalez, it also features a kaleidoscope design on the sides. Both images are incorporated using a decoupage technique. This practical wooden pencil holder will add a touch of color to your office or home.

Majestic pachyderms march across your Christmas tree in miniature grandeur with five hand-carved acacia wood ornaments that capture the noble spirit of these gentle giants. The rich wood grain weaves through each elephant's carefully sculpted form with an organic beauty that only natural materials can provide. Presented by India’s Dinesh, these charming ornaments include leather cords for simple hanging and come with a protective drawstring pouch to keep them safe between festive seasons.

Bring a touch of African culture to your home with a tribute to the traditional Dogon boards of Mali, revered for their intricate depictions of human and animal figures that served as protectors of the household, warding off malevolent spirits. This spectacular wall relief panel showcases Ghanaian artisan Ayoma Alhassan’s exceptional talent for hand-carving mahogany. The unique decorative accent features a cast of intriguing figures, including monkey-faced humans and a man with a big, round head, all of which are exquisitely adorned with accents made from a blend of charcoal and glue. Alhassan's masterful craftsmanship is also evident in the intricate hand-painted details that bring a dash of color.

This wall relief panel is a testament to the exceptional beauty of African art and a tribute to the traditional Dogon boards of Mali. These revered objects were known for their intricate depictions of human and animal figures, serving as protectors of the household and warding off malevolent spirits. Ghana’s Ayoma Alhassan creates his own version of those boards with a wall relief panel remarkably hand-carved in mahogany featuring eccentric figures, including monkey and bird-faced humans, turtles and more, each exquisitely adorned with accents made from a blend of charcoal and glue. They are further embellished by intricate hand-painted details that bring a pop of color to this stunning piece.