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Francis Agbete

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Francis Agbete

Wood masks and leather desk sets in West Africa

"I have always helped my father when he's needed me, so coming to assist my father at the workshop at this time of my educational career was not a new job for me."

"My name is Francis Agbete and I come from a family of traditional wood carvers. I was born December 28, 1976 in a suburb of Accra. I attended the Vakpo Secondary Technical Institute from 1994 to 1996, and upon graduation I enrolled at the Accra Poly-Technical Institute to read Mechanical Technician course grade two. While at school, funding was becoming a difficulty. So during weekends and vacations, I would visit my father's wood carving workshop and assist him by carving some products for sale. I have always helped my father when he's needed me, so coming to assist my father at the workshop at this time of my educational career was not a new job for me.

"The realization eventually dawned on me to stay on, work on my own designs, and display my own woodcarvings so that I could earn enough to support my education. I ventured and opened a workshop at the Craft Village near the Tetteh Quarshie Circle. Managing and controlling the operations of the shop was becoming a problem since, as a student, I needed more time for my studies than for my carving jobs. To solve this problem, I explained this idea both to my sister, Mary Agbete and my cousin, Stephen Agbete and asked them about the possibility of looking after the workshop and selling the items I carved while I was at school. They agreed.

"This arrangement has continued to work until now. We opened a new workshop, and not only do I exhibit my own work, but there's my father's work too. The workshop has become a family business that caters to diverse customers including expatriate staffs, tourists and hospitality companies.

"My family and I have showcased our designs at various wood fairs and international exhibitions such as the Ghana International Wood Product Fair, FESTAC and the International Festival for Arts and Culture, in Burkina Faso."

Cause Badges

Microcredit Financing

Preserving Traditions

Profound Impact

Caring for Children

45 items by Francis Agbete

Customer Reviews

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Artist rating

Total reviews

53

mb

From California

Verified Reviewer

02/11/2021

"Reminder to Pray"

This sculpture is unusual, beautiful and a calm reminder to pray about things which are out of our control. I recently sent one as a gift to my sister who has a terminal diagnosis. She placed in a prominent place in her home to remind her that God is always with her.

Best Uses

Comfort
Inspiration, comfort, hope, beauty

Purchased Item:

Inspirational Message, Hand Crafted Wood Sculpture

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Gift Occasion:

This was a gift for: Sister
Occasion: OTHER

LINDA

Verified Reviewer

01/29/2021

"Adorns my wall"

The symbols keep you questioning our works and our future. Love the look on my wall and the stares is gets from those new to my home.

Purchased Item:

Ashanti Wisdom II, Ashanti Adinkra Symbols Hand Carved Wood Wall Panel

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ANETTA

Verified Reviewer

01/10/2021

"Happy Giraffes"

Beautiful piece of art from a skillful artisan from the West Africa

Purchased Item:

Happy Giraffes, Hand Painted Wood Sculptures (Pair)

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Hohoho

From Northpole

Verified Reviewer

12/30/2020

"Great inspiration for a quiet moment of prayer."

Inspirational!

Tags By Hohoho

Stoic warming serenity

Best Uses

Meditation hour

Purchased Item:

Inspirational Message, Hand Crafted Wood Sculpture

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Elisa

Verified Reviewer

12/10/2020

"Beautiful gift for a close friend"

Beautiful item gifted for someone that is always there for many placing his needs aside. Your art is amazing

Purchased Item:

Inspirational Message, Hand Crafted Wood Sculpture

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Ardyth

Verified Reviewer

12/02/2020

"Unusual, elegant"

This nativity is lovely and brings a unique feel to my collection.

Purchased Item:

Gifts from the Ghanaian Magi, Handcrafted Teak Wood Nativity Scene Sculpture (14 Piece)

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