African Arts & Crafts
Threadwork, 'Music'
Musical instruments of all kinds dance on a rose background, while a person reaches wide to embrace them all. Randy Abeka Abbam's joyous composition celebrates the wealth of music styles throughout Africa.
Ceramic ornaments, 'Yellow Cowry and Elephant' (pair)
A mighty elephant and a cowry shell by Samuel Lovi are beautiful keepsakes from Africa. Fashioned of ceramic, these handsome ornaments receive a rustic finish with a touch of yellow. Cowry shells were once used as currency in West Africa.
'Point of No Return'
Reaching an arm behind her, a young mother steadies the child she carries on her back. She wears traditional batik attire, although she has migrated to the city. Emmanuel Atiamo Yeboa poses a dilemma affecting Ghanaians as their country becomes more urbanized.
Teak statuette, 'Industrious African Housewife'
A young mother walks to the market with poised elegance despite the weight of her basket as she embraces her child with arm affection in this striking teakwood sculpture by George Obeng.
Batik wall hanging, 'Priestess'
In Africa, ritual pots are used at the shrine for sacrifice during festivals or when there is a calamity in the town. The priest or priestess puts herbs, eggs and a little water into the pot and raises it to the skies to provoke any evil spirit disturbing the town.
Threadwork, 'Love and Image'
Colorful hearts shape the silhouettes of lovers drawn to one another under the influence of their love. Randy Abeka Abbam celebrates the power of love through his unique art work. He delineates the images by patiently gluing cotton threads on a card stock base.