From masks to statues, carvings have an important role in Africa. Some only think of the wooden masks, others think immediately of the beautiful animal carvings that are so popular. But remember that carvings are everything from Ashanti stools to little delicate antelopes, from carved fertility dolls to the unique form of a dancing African woman.

Carvings are just one of the many ways that Africa preserves her history. Items like the Sankofa bird or masks are symbols which quickly remind us of famous African fables, tales or even stories of creation as seen through the eyes of some ethnic groups.

Mama promises to continue to bring you unique, one of a kind pieces as well as those tried and true carvings for which Africa is known so well. Enjoy the history of Africa through the pieces hand carved for you throughout the continent....

Ashanti stools and unity heads**

**Additional shipping charges apply, (please see FAQ)

The stools and unity heads featured below are carved by master craftsmen in Ashantiland, Ghana. They come to us directly from Kumasi where the tradition of these stools originates. Each is carved from one single piece of wood.

The unity heads are "collapsible" and can be folded and carried. We have seen countless uses for them; but here are just a few suggestions: You can put a circular piece of glass on top and use the unity head as a low side table. The millet baskets from Uganda fit perfectly inside and makes a great way to combine two art pieces which compliment each other fabulously. Some even put clear glass bowls inside to display decorative balls or their favorite Christmas ornaments. Mama though, likes the look of the unity head when it is featured as a table's centerpiece.

The stools each have a different symbol carved into the center. One features the Sankofa bird which comes to us from an Akan tale that teaches the importance of looking back into our pasts in order to remember the lessons that will make us move forward into the future. The other is carved with the Gye Nyame symbol which literally means "except for God". It tells us that there is nothing that we should fear except for God, as He is the ultimate power. These pieces are incredibly popular and you will never find this kind of quality at a price nearly as low.

Here are some photos of of the Ashanti stool versions we have available...

All styles are available for only $325

*** ROLL OVER IMAGES TO SEE FROM ANOTHER ANGLE

Ashanti stool with Sankofa bird in center

The Sankofa bird comes to us from an Akan tale that teaches the importance of looking back into our pasts in order to remember the lessons that will make us move forward into the future

Wisdom knot stool

Each of these variations of our wisdom knot stools have similar detail on the top (you can see the detail by viewing either the Sankofa or Gye Nyame stools)

Unity heads from the Ashanti people of Ghana

Delicately carved from one piece of wood, these unity heads serve as a reminder of the importance of each member of the community. It also tells us of our interconnectedness.

Medium is shown here, small is shown in photo on the right

Just one way you can use your unity heads.

Here it is displayed with a Tunisian incense burner in the center.

Please keep in mind that each piece is an original. Therefore there may be differences in color, and slight variation in size. The artists which share their works with Mama do not make copies of one mask, statue, etc; each is a unique piece of art which has the same inspiration at its root. The photos above are though fair representations of what you can expect your piece to look like.

As many of the objects, especially masks, are made with the intention of serving their original purpose, they may not have holes drilled in the back for hanging purposes, when it is often impossible to do so without changing the original design aspects of the masks. Finally, please try not to have them placed in direct sunlight, and care for them simply by dusting them with a plain soft cloth. No cleaning or polishing products are needed.