Afro Sauce ElatiOn
The adinkra symbol known as akofena graces this beautiful djembe. It means "Sword of Honor." The imagery comes from crossed swords used for generations on the heraldic shields of Ghana, thus the symbol represents the legitimate authority of the state. Adorned with colorful hand-loomed kente cloth, this tweneboa wood drum designed by Nana Adu Amankwapam I is crafted by hand. The goatskin head is affixed by iron rings wrapped in cotton, and a macrame cord can be slung over the shoulder.
Scorched black tracery evokes the intricate allure of this bougarabou drum by Samuel Coleman, subtly enhanced by smooth bands of deep blue, red, and green. Bougarabou is onomatopoeia for the sound produced by the instrument. Carved from tweneboa wood, the artisan uses dried goatskin for the drumhead, affixing it to the body using iron rod rings wrapped in cotton to prevent rusting. A network of nylon rope further stretches the striking surface. Finished in oil paints and Mansion polish, the drum features a sturdy and colorful kente cloth handle. A resonant addition to any home decor, this instrument is infused with professional quality.
Fusing his passion for music and his instinct for modern design, Samuel Coleman crafts a djembe drum of exquisite African elegance. The base is carved by hand of local tweneboa wood and features an unfurling flower accompanied by traditional patterns. The goatskin drumhead is held in place with iron rods and nylon ropes that serve to adjust the drum's pitch.
Abubakari Alhassan creates a handcrafted xylophone with eight tweneboa wood keys. Tied to the frame with goatskin and cotton, they rest above resonant calabash gourds. The instrument is traditionally used by the Ashanti people of northern Ghana.
"I want to show in this art work the struggle of African women and this is represented by the faces of two women on the African map," says Ghanaian artisan Salihu Ibrahim. He carves the shapes from wood, then sands and assembles them to display on the wall. The colors are derived from plants.
African women, from every cultural community, are poised and elegant. Their beautiful features express their soul's strong character. Juliana Akandas celebrates the women of Africa with a vivid sese wood mask design that is carved by hand. The mask is beautifully ornamented to symbolize tribal traditions, including colorful earrings and embossed brass plates.
