The craft and the craftsmen
We are now a well-knitted team having worked together for 18 years. We know each other well and distribu- te the tasks based on each person’s strengths and specialties. There is always a good, positive and cheerful atmosphere when we work, and we share many meaningful conversations along the way. Some of us come from Ivory Coast and Mali, but most are from the forests and mountains of the Eastern Region in Ghana.
Today, after many years of collaboration, we form a strong and tightly knitted team consisting of six arti- sans plus myself. The workshop is located in the forest of the Eastern Region in Ghana. The artisans have a close relationship with the surroundings and the nature they live in and rely on. The production emphasises sustainability and environmental friendliness, using only natural materials without chemicals, plastic, or other environmentally harmful products.
Our names are Kweku, Kwame, Rugye, Ofei, Kabina, Nana Yaw, Oduro, Tay Pierce and Nina Akua. The artisans live in close harmony with nature, they grow their own food, eat healthily, and possess deep knowledge of how to care for nature and harvest from it sustainably. That also includes the wood we use which is sourced from the surrounding forests, approved for export and poses no threat to the rainforest.
These are men who are deeply proud of their craftsmanship, have strong insight into traditional cultural expressions, and never cut corners in their work. Nana Yaw is our team leader, my right hand, and the one in charge, and I trust 100% in the quality of his decisions and the choices we make together.
We design and produce handcrafted furniture deeply rooted in the traditional expressions and designs of West Africa. Each item holds the weight of history, skill, patience and tradition. We offer carefully selected pieces from Mali, the As- hanti, Bamileke and Senufo people as well as with our own creations.
Wood is a living material and adapts to the environment it is placed in whether dry or humid. We allow the wood to dry over a long period to ensure stability before shaping it according to traditional craft techniques and a deep understanding of the material.
We lightly burn the wood surface to bring out the exclusive glow and richness of the wood rather than using chemicals or artificial dyes. This gives the surface a natural durable finish with unique depth.
Our skilled metal artisan creates the beautiful metal ornaments that adorn to several of our products. He works with brass, tin and aluminum to give the furniture a refined and elegant touch.
