traditional sculpture

Eliasu Adams draws inspiration from his culture to create a gorgeous key chain full of Ghana's spirit. After hand-carving a traditional ebony wood comb, the artisan embellishes his creation with recycled glass and sese wood beads, all joined by a stainless steel ring.

Ghanaian artisan Eliasu Adams finds inspiration in his culture to create a marvelous key chain full of pride and tradition. After hand-carving an ebony wood charm in the shape of Africa, the artisan embellishes his creation with recycled glass and sese wood beads, all joined by a stainless steel ring.

Aparupa Ghosh pays homage to patiala jutti, a traditional type of Indian footwear, stamped over the almond body of this creative shawl. She utilizes the block printing method, hand-carving the designs into wood stamps. Made of cotton, the shawl is completed with a border of russet and triangular fabric tassels that dangle from each end.

The dynamic of a style full of contrasts can transform your look into a unique fashion statement. Celebrating what makes you shine apart from the others, NOVICA reunites talented Peruvian artisans in this curated gift set featuring Alfredo Falcon's 100% alpaca knit hat in grey and black hues; Cesar Gonzales' black and white onyx egg figurine for an enigmatic ambiance; and Dina's ceramic pendant necklace, painted with the traditional icons and patterns of this prosperous region.

Unlock a world of beauty every time you reach for your keys with Hugo Pichiya's extraordinary creation. This oval keychain, crafted from reclaimed pinewood, showcases a woman carrying water home in San Juan Comalapa using a traditional jug known as tinaja. The artisan's skilled hand-carving and delicate painting techniques transform this eco-friendly material into a pocket-sized gallery piece. Complete with a nickel ring and chain, this unique accessory will be a daily reminder of Guatemala's rich cultural heritage.

This adorable key fob is hand crafted by Claudio Ojeda in Mexico. The panda alebrije is carved from copal wood and painted in black and white and myriad patterns and shapes in pink and purple. The wood figurine adorns a stainless steel key ring. The artisan signs his pieces with the initials "T.C.", which represent his initial "C" preceded by his mother Teresita's initial "T". Claudio learned the art of crafting alebrijes from his mother.

The folk art tradition of alebrijes dates back to the 1930's in Mexico City. A man named Pedro Linares was taken ill, and in his fevered dreams he saw a strange land populated with curious creatures--a donkey with wings, a rooster with bull's horns, and a lion with the head of a dog. The beasts all shouted "alebrije! alebrije!". Upon his recovery, Linares began recreating the fantastical creatures he had seen in his dream. The art form gained popularity, and alebrijes are now made of wood as well as papier mache.

Decorated with diamonds of ornately embossed aluminum, an owo (snake) gives shape to an extraordinary staff. Eva Asantewa Amakye carves the piece by hand of seasoned sese wood.

Many African societies regard a person with a staff with respect and dignity. Usually associated with age, an elderly person using a staff is believed to have accumulated vast knowledge and wisdom through the years. Traditionally, the design on a staff tells the societal status and political inclination of the person using it.

With beautiful ergonomic understanding, Ghanaian artisan Eva Asantewa Amakye crafts a sese wood walking stick that fits well within the user's hand. Amakye calls this piece Agua, which translates into "Stool." When finished carving, the artist decorates the wood with acrylic paint.