artisan goods

Solemn and dignified, he speaks with authority. Abdul Aziz Mohamadu depicts a handsome personage as an authentic African mask. Bright brass inlay and aluminum repoussé adorn the face, while colorful seed beads cover the cheeks. The artisan names his original mask Asempa, an Akan word meaning "good word."

Is your essence composed of natural beauty, serene hues and good fortune? Thai artisan Alexx Cheng works with glass and mastery to capture your soul's lucky vibe in the three pendants that compose this blue and green necklace, whose cord is made of polished stainless steel.

Breakfast for two never looked so good. Hand crafted by Thai artisan Duangkamol from ceramic, this pair of cereal bowls is glazed in a glossy indigo color and finished with rich brown accents around the edges.

Dinner for one never looked so good. Hand crafted by Thai artisan Duangkamol from ceramic, this lovely round soup bowl is glazed in a glossy indigo color and finished with dark red accents around the edges.

Dinner for one never looked so good. Hand crafted by Thai artisan Duangkamol from ceramic, this lovely round soup or pasta bowl is glazed in a glossy indigo color and finished with rich brown accents around the edges.

Dinner for one never looked so good. Hand crafted by Thai artisan Duangkamol from ceramic, this large round dinner plate is glazed in a glossy indigo color and finished with a lovely light blue glaze on the inside.

Breakfast for one never looked so good. Hand crafted by Thai artisan Duangkamol from ceramic, this lovely round cereal bowl is glazed in a glossy indigo color on the inside and finished with a beautiful dark red on the outside.

Store your goodies and trinkets in style with Nantana Sompamitre's gorgeous decorative box. The Thai artisan carves the box from mango wood, engraving the surface with a blue floral motif before finishing her creation with a glossy lacquer for shine and protection. Remove the box's lid to sneak a peek at the glossy black interior.

The serene blues of the Mexican Caribbean are repeated in a hand-woven hammock. It invites a blissful afternoon with a pitcher of iced tea and a good book. Maya Artists of the Yucatán create it in the same way they have for centuries.

Long before the Spanish arrived upon the coasts of the Yucatan Peninsula, the Maya preferred to sleep and rest in hammocks. They considered the hammock to be like the loving embrace of a mother, due to the comfortable manner in which the body is held and swung within its cradle. Maya Artists of the Yucatan seek to preserve time-honored customs while also offering stylized versions of the original Maya hammock. For them, the hammock is a work of art. Their hammocks are incredibly comfortable, easy to maintain, and may be stored just about anywhere.

Please note: The accompanying extension ropes may vary in color from those shown in the images.

It easily packs for travel to the beach or lake. Extender ropes (measuring 1 meter), hammock hooks ("S" hooks), and step-by-step instructions included for easy installation.

NOTE: Because each is woven individually by hand, measurements may vary by as much as ten centimeters. There may be slight color variations from hammock to hammock.

Ghanaian artisan Harriet Faako Adjei designs this multicolor necklace in celebration of love. She calls her design Lorlornyo, meaning "love is good," in the Ewe language. Adjei threads chip-cut agates dyed in shades of orange, blue, cream, brown, and green with recycled glass beads, creating a waterfall pendant of dramatic elegance.

Ekeko, the Tiwanakan god of abundance, is a popular Latin American icon, often depicted with luxurious items strung around his neck. Peruvian artisan Maribel Posso Olivares depicts Ekeko here, hand-painted with floral motifs against a blue body and outfitted with a multicolored wool chullohat. Around his neck are items such as a house, a television, and a car, bringing a touch of Latin good fortune to any home.

Representing Uzoma, meaning "the good way" in the Igbo language, this mask is crafted by artisan Abdul Aziz Mohamadu through an intensive process requiring both patience and skill. The artisan hand carves the mask from local sese wood, then allows it to dry for two weeks before sanding and hand painting the elongated nose, closed eyes, mouth and dotted incision details. The Nigerian-style mask, intended for wall use, is then painted with striking yellow and blue highlights, and finished with clay for an aged, vintage look.