Incedable crafmanship! I hung it in may dining room,and receive continual compliments! It is a lovely work of art.
This mask is so beautiful!! It's really amazing. This man's got skills! The centerpiece of my collection!! Looking forward to my next one!
I purchased this mask a couple years ago, and I am just now finally expressing my appreciation. The colors and lines of this piece are outstanding. I love how the cheeks are framed by the multicolored tassels. This mask has become one of my favorite possessions. Thank you for your work and for sharing your wonderful story. It seems that you also do truly great work for your community.
"In 2000, I went into carving and since then I have never regretted it. But I haven't abandoned painting completely either."
"At a tender age, I used to draw pictures from magazines with a pencil. During my primary education, I painted with watercolors, to the admiration of my parents and their friends. This gave me confidence and inspired me to continue. I knew I'd be a painter in the future, as I realized that the flair for painting was in-born.
"When I was in senior high, I used to visit friends who were in college pursuing courses in painting. I'd practice with them using acrylics on canvas – I didn't find it difficult. In fact, I started to paint for people in my neighborhood upon request.
"When talking to people whose livelihood was painting and learning the challenges they encountered in selling a single canvas, it set me to thinking about whether to pursue this dream of becoming a painter. Perhaps I should turn to a different field altogether?
"When I completed senior high, I used to visit a man by name of Musa at his workshop. He was into carving masks and sculptures. I'd observe him with his workers and saw the joy with which they went about their work. At the time, I was deep in thought as to what would be next for me. My love for the art field was so strong.
"After careful observation of their carving over a period of time, one day I went to the workshop as usual, picked a log of wood and started carving out a mask as I had observed them doing. This surprised Musa and he was willing to help me perfect the skill. I developed a love for this new skill I'd acquired and decided to pursue it further.
"Because of my knowledge in painting, I was able to help Musa in creating very beautiful designs on the mask. In 2000, I went into carving and since then I have never regretted it. But I haven't abandoned painting completely either – I still paint for people upon request.
"I am now self employed and there are five assistants working with me. In addition, I have taught seven other people how to carve, and they are also on their own now and doing well. When I get large orders, I call on them for their assistance. I look forward to training more people in this craft and also to continuing with my paintings."
A rooster stands proudly atop a bearded blue face in this graceful mask. Fluid in its beauty, the sese wood carving comes from the Guro people of Côte d'Ivoire, where such masks represent the spirits... Read More
Birds are embossed in gleaming brass to alight on an African mask. By Abdul Aziz Mohamadu, this circular face reveals a cowry shell silhouette on the forehead. Such shells were once used as currency... Read More
This little Boruca devil can't suppress the beauty within. Victor Hernandez hand-carves the balsa wood mask with a toucan and butterfly on one side, half obscuring the creature's blue face. The devil... Read More
Nature's beauty wins over the devil's fury in this hand-carved decorative balsa wood mask. Victor Hernandez hand-carves the mask with birds, a sloth, and a white flower taking over the devil's... Read More
Before his days with NOVICA, Buana sold his jewelry designs door-to-door in the tourist areas of Bali. Business was tough, and local store owners were often slow to pay. All this changed when he joined NOVICA 7 years ago.
Buana now employs 28 of his neighbors to keep up with demand, and can now afford to send both of his children to school.
Every purchase supports NOVICA's mission to spread happiness by celebrating exploration, empowering artists, and preserving global culture.Our Mission