designer robes for women

Akwele Suma finds motivation in the courageous women of the traditional Ghanaian markets to create a gorgeous accessory honoring their fearless spirits. Working with recycled plastic, paper and sese wood beads, the artisan creates this stunning beaded necklace with yellow floral motifs as the central elements, symbolizing Akwele's best wishes for her people. The design also comes with a brass hook clasp for an easy fit.

Hand-carved of mansonia wood, this wall sculpture depicts the image of two African women pounding food in a large mortar above a stove. Wavy forms and a painted design give this wall sculpture a beautiful flair. Ghanaian artisan Robert Aidoo-Taylor creates the sculpture, inspired by culinary traditions of his country.

"The design of this necklace celebrates our preference for chunky jewelry and natural materials," confides Nigerian-born Nonyem Abena Ibeneme. She crafts the beaded necklace by hand with a medley of beads carved from cow bone, agate, soapstone, bamboo, terracotta, and bauxite. Featuring sese wood and recycled plastic spacers, the necklace fastens with a brass hook.

Robert Kofi Ellis designs an extraordinary version of the legendary fertility doll of Akan origin. Called Akuaba, the doll is characterized by a big round head, very short neck, open arms and a long lean body. Carved of sese wood, the sculpture is adorned with aluminum plates on the head and breasts, as well as painted red lips, eyelids and accents on her headdress.

According to legend, there once was a woman who couldn't conceive, so the village priest told her to craft a doll, dress it and look after it as she would a child. Soon she'd have a child of her own. Custom persists and many women prepare their own Akuaba doll, and when the child is born, Akuaba is given as the baby's first toy.

Ghana's Robert Nortey honors beautiful Akan women with the original design of this mask. His "Ewuraba" features a dark green face and black and white spotted headdress. Meaning "Lady" in the Twi dialect of the Akan people, the Ewuraba mask is carved by hand of sese wood.

Weary at the end of the day, Buddha falls asleep with his hand resting on a meditation bell. Eka designs a sculpture that captures his serene features, voluptuous body and the folds in the robe and sandals.