NOVICA Light Brown Handcrafted Nigerian Wood Wall Mask with Aluminum Accents, 'King's Companion'

NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, works together with talented artisan designers around the world to produce stunning, keepsake treasures. Our mantra is to spread global happiness, so rest assured - we'll do everything we possibly can to ensure you're a happy customer.

About this item: Sculpted by hand of native African rubberwood, this face depicts a woman of youthful beauty. Long lashes frame demure eyes and applications of aluminum create intricate patterns on her cheeks and forehead. "Among the Hausa people of Nigeria, such masks are given to a woman by a man as a wedding proposal," says artisan Abdul Aziz Mohamadu. "If she does not return the mask, it means the proposal as been accepted." Named Shawa – Hausa for "Lover's Beauty" – the mask is rubbed with white clay for an aged effect.

About our Artist: 'I always knew I wanted to paint, but wasn't sure I could make a living out of it, so I looked into other fields too,' recalls Abdul Aziz Mohamadu. 'I observed master carver Musa at his workshop for a period of time, then I picked up a log of wood and started carving out a mask as I had observed him doing. This surprised Musa and he was willing to help me perfect the skill. I developed a love for this new art, and that's how I eventually became a master carver too!'