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Abdul Aziz Mohamadu

Abdul Aziz Mohamadu

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Abdul Aziz Mohamadu

Hand-carved African masks in West Africa

"In 2000, I went into carving and since then I have never regretted it. But I haven't abandoned painting completely either."

"At a tender age, I used to draw pictures from magazines with a pencil. During my primary education, I painted with watercolors, to the admiration of my parents and their friends. This gave me confidence and inspired me to continue. I knew I'd be a painter in the future, as I realized that the flair for painting was in-born.

"When I was in senior high, I used to visit friends who were in college pursuing courses in painting. I'd practice with them using acrylics on canvas – I didn't find it difficult. In fact, I started to paint for people in my neighborhood upon request.

"When talking to people whose livelihood was painting and learning the challenges they encountered in selling a single canvas, it set me to thinking about whether to pursue this dream of becoming a painter. Perhaps I should turn to a different field altogether?

"When I completed senior high, I used to visit a man by name of Musa at his workshop. He was into carving masks and sculptures. I'd observe him with his workers and saw the joy with which they went about their work. At the time, I was deep in thought as to what would be next for me. My love for the art field was so strong.

"After careful observation of their carving over a period of time, one day I went to the workshop as usual, picked a log of wood and started carving out a mask as I had observed them doing. This surprised Musa and he was willing to help me perfect the skill. I developed a love for this new skill I'd acquired and decided to pursue it further.

"Because of my knowledge in painting, I was able to help Musa in creating very beautiful designs on the mask. In 2000, I went into carving and since then I have never regretted it. But I haven't abandoned painting completely either – I still paint for people upon request.

"I am now self employed and there are five assistants working with me. In addition, I have taught seven other people how to carve, and they are also on their own now and doing well. When I get large orders, I call on them for their assistance. I look forward to training more people in this craft and also to continuing with my paintings."

Abdul Aziz Mohamadu's work has been exhibited in Ghanaian venues as well as in Nigeria and Benin.

Cause Badges

Caring for Children

Microcredit Financing

Enabling Education

378 items by Abdul Aziz Mohamadu

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Customer Reviews

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Artist rating

Total reviews

90

Patricia

Verified Reviewer

02/16/2021

"Bought as a gift!"

This is now part of my sister s permanent exhibition of masks collection. She loved it!

Purchased Item:

Afya, African Wall Mask of Swahili Healer Original Design

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dix

From Phoenix

Verified Reviewer

02/10/2021

"Very Colorful"

This mask is impressive singular on a wall. Well made and catches the eye. Goes perfectly with my overall collection.

Best Uses

Wall

Purchased Item:

Proud Hausa Warrior, Authentic African Mask

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Thomas

Verified Reviewer

01/23/2021

"This Awesome Mask"

We have a wall of masks, This one gets noticed all the time and commented on.

Best Uses

Decorations Themes

Purchased Item:

Love Totem, Antique Horn Style African Mask

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Nilsa

Verified Reviewer

01/17/2021

"Beautiful"

Beautiful mask. Just as pictured.

Purchased Item:

Adanya, Artisan Crafted Sese Wood West African Mask

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Megan

Verified Reviewer

01/02/2021

"Very Cool"

The woven headdress really sets this mask apart from others. The head portion is small so make sure to look at the product dimensions.

Best Uses

Wall Decor

Purchased Item:

Eco Akuchinyere, Eco-Friendly African Wood Mask with Raffia from Ghana

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Robert

Verified Reviewer

12/05/2020

"Wonderful Addition to our Mask Collection"

This is a great product that we added to a collection of masks on our bedroom wall. We began collecting masks during a trip to South Africa in 2001. The mask is well made and the details are very well done. The product was fairly priced.

Best Uses

Decorative

Purchased Item:

My Beautiful Lover, Handcrafted Nigerian Wood Mask

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