Over $110.6 million sent to artisans so far!

Passport Club

Theophilus Sackey

Theophilus Sackey

Video

Theophilus Sackey

Hand-carved African masks in West Africa

"What inspires me most is when people express appreciation for my designs."

"I am a calm, humble and quiet person who also loves arts and crafts. I was born on November 22, 1985 in a suburb of the Greater Accra region. When I was in primary school, I admired art and used to draw animals and images that I found.

"After school, I'd stop by the workshop of Salihu Ibrahim (a Novica-featured artisan) to observe him and his workers as they carved different objects out of raw wood. They really caught my attention, and I visited the workshop daily. Realizing my interest, Salihu offered to train me. I was most interested, so learning the skill was not a difficult thing. Within a short time, I could finish the carved items. At a certain point in time, my parents could not afford to further my education so I decided to continue learning under Salihu and pursue a career in this field.

"I was first trained as a finisher, but Salihu did not want me to be handicapped in the business so he also trained me in the types of wood and what items they can be used to produce. To be sure I was taking my studies seriously, I was asked to pick up carved items from his carvers in a distant place.

"It was the first time I had gone there all by myself. Unfortunately, after I finished checking on all the carved items, it rained so heavily that no vehicle there was willing to move. I felt so uncomfortable sleeping there. I was really out of my comfort zone!

"When I finally returned home with the carvings, I narrated my story of what I had been through and Salihu burst out laughing. He told me this was all part of the things I needed to learn. The experienced I was faced with meant I needed to consider such delays when planning.

"I worked with Salihu for about seven years. I should have moved out of his workshop but I have not enough resources to start up on my own. I still work from his workshop producing my own carvings to sell, and hope to make enough money to be able to move out and set up on my own.

"What inspires me most is when people express appreciation for my designs. It is my dream to one day become the owner of a well-established art workshop and be able to employ many workers to reduce the alarming rate of unemployment in my country."

Cause Badges

Preserving Traditions

Microcredit Financing

Profound Impact

Caring for Children

56 items by Theophilus Sackey

Customer Reviews

Purchased this? Leave your review.

Artist rating

Total reviews

36

Lazarus

Verified Reviewer

04/01/2021

"Love this mask"

Great mask and great quality! I m always confident with my Novica purchases.

Purchased Item:

Gye Nyame Vibrations, Sese Wood African Gye Nyame Adinkra Mask from Ghana

Was This Review Helpful?

Yes (0) No (0)

LINDA

Verified Reviewer

01/29/2021

"My favorite color is purple"

Just as you see it. It displays marvelously on my wall and the color is simply wonderful and calming.

Purchased Item:

Queen Idia, Hand Carved and Painted African Wood Mask

Was This Review Helpful?

Yes (0) No (0)

Daneen

Verified Reviewer

01/09/2021

"I love this Artwork!"

I collect anything to do with rhinos and this mask looks even better in person. It is beautifully carved and is just stunning. I am very happy I purchased it.

Purchased Item:

Brown Rhino, Handcrafted Sese Wood African Rhino Mask from Ghana

Was This Review Helpful?

Yes (0) No (0)

Kathryn

Verified Reviewer

04/24/2020

"Now part of my dads collection"

I bought this for father who loves to collect masks from around the globe. He loved it. It is now on the wall in his study.

Purchased Item:

Ghanaian Bull, Hand Carved African Bull Sese Wood Wall Mask

Was This Review Helpful?

Yes (1) No (0)

Kim

Verified Reviewer

11/27/2019

"Incredible detail"

Such a beautiful mask, a new favorite in our collection. Stunning! Excellent craftsmanship.

Purchased Item:

Fire Walker, African Wood Mask

Was This Review Helpful?

Yes (0) No (0)

Leo

Verified Reviewer

11/26/2019

"Amazing Art"

Really Happy with the piece. Goes well in the hallway and great conversation piece. Smaller than expected but Great Quality and price. Offers a powerful vibe for the house.

Purchased Item:

Green Sankofa, Handmade Sese Wood African Sankofa Adinkra Mask from Ghana

Was This Review Helpful?

Yes (0) No (0)

BACK TO TOP

Your NOVICA Packages are Safe and Secure!

NOVICA's response to COVID 19

Every NOVICA item comes with our universal guarantee

Certified clean packing environment

Quality tested and verified by our region teams

Fair trade and 100% happiness guaranteed