West African Gifts:
Symbolism Adds Extra Meaning

West African gifts take on special meaning
from decorative symbols that relate proverbs
and honor ethnic history and heroes.

We are proud to introduce you to gifts from West Africa, crafted largely by various Akan peoples, especially those of Ghana. All of these gifts are brought to us by NOVICA in association with National Geographic, and all are Fair Trade gifts.

Each gift and individual artisan has a story, which you'll find with the product details. A gift is more meaningful when we know something about its place of origin and the people who live there. I'll fill you in a little, so you can fill in your recipient.

First of all, Africa is composed of over 50 separate countries. National boundaries drawn by Europeans at the end of the colonial era often divided the territories of indigenous peoples, and forced diverse ethnic groups together within new boundaries.

The southern region of West Africa is inhabited by peoples belonging to the Akan language group. Among them, the Ashanti are a major ethnic group in Ghana and Ivory Coast. Many of the West African gifts presented here feature Akan or Ashanti symbols, as we shall see.

Kente cloth
West Africa is well known for its hand loomed "Kente" cloth, which features colorful patterns woven in narrow strips; then several strips are sewn together to make a larger cloth. The designs may recall historical events, or commemorate heroes, or define social identies.

Kente cloth designs may also symbolize concepts such as forgiveness, responsibility, or success. Kente cloth is also called "proverb cloth" because its patterns are given names which translate into wise sayings or even political commentary. For example, the pattern called "warning against dictatorial rule" translates to "One head does not constitute a council."

The metaphors and messages of Kente cloth designs might help you decide which of these West African gifts will best suit your recipient. For example, this Kente cloth scarf was designed in honor of the wife of Ghana's first president, in a pattern fittingly named "Better Half." That symbolism makes the scarf an especially appropriate gift from husband to wife.

Statuettes and sculptures offer good choices in West African gifts as they feature contemporary styles along with traditional. This engaging Ancestral Guardian carries on a tradition of the Bakota people of Gabon; the bearded Akan Father of the Multitudes will lend an air of dignity wherever he is displayed.

A pretty Akan "Sweetheart" doll would be a nice gift for your sweetheart - but be aware that in Ghana, this would be given to the girl you hope to marry. And what West African gifts could be more traditional than a pair of fertility dolls? These are named after an Ashanti queen, "Asantewaa."

More modern in style is the Man from the North - northern Ghana, that is. And this charming Mother and Child would be a lovely Mother's Day gift for a mom who enjoys contemporary styling.

"Throne ottomans," or stools, are West African gifts that are especially significant among the Ashanti, for the Golden Stool is their most sacred treasure. Yes, it's made of gold, a natural resource of Ghana (once called the Gold Coast).

According to tradition, the Golden Stool was commanded out of the sky by a tribal priest and is believed to contain the soul of the Ashanti people. The silhouette of a stool appears on their flag (left), symbolizing Ashanti unity.

For over 300 years, the Golden Stool has been kept hidden except for very important occasions. The Golden Stool must never contact the ground (it never has); it is so sacred that no one - not even a king - has ever sat on it. The Ashanti have fought off anyone's attempt to seize the Golden Stool (including the British Empire).

Stools in the Ashanti tradition feature a crescent-curved seat atop a base on which a carved figure symbolizes a message. This stool bears the symbol for "humility," and the message is "Do not be arrogant."

Wooden Masks are popular West African gifts, an excellent choice for collectors and especially appropriate gifts for actors. There are many styles to choose from.

From the Hausa people in northern Ghana is a worthy young warrior mask signifying strength. Here is a funeral mask used in rituals of the Yohure people of Ivory Coast; and here is a serene-looking Legendary Chief of the Senufo people of Mali. In a much different style is this village elder of the Ewe people in the Volta region of Ghana.

NOVICA has a large selection of masks from Cameroon, Tanzania, Zaire, Congo, Benin, Burkina Faso, and others, representing a broad spectrum of African heroes and traditions. My son the actor collects masks, and any of these West African gifts would please him.

Djembe drums are hand drums, thought to have originated in Benin or Mali. Once associated with voodoo ritual, djembe drums are used throughout West Africa to accompany dancing. They can produce three basic sounds - bass, tone, and slap. Each rhythm is associated with a certain group of people, or a specific dance, occasion or ritual.

Djembe drums, like other West African gifts, use well-known ethnic designs to honor age-old traditions, rituals and heroes. For example, this djembe drum is decorated with Kente cloth, while this one has traditional symbols carved into its base.

Mixed media - A charming collection of wall hangings by Emmanuel Atiamo Yeboa are made of batik on calico and accented with paint or drawing ink. Sections of the design are cut out of the calico backing and replaced by colorful batik. Here Festival Revelers dance joyfully; the African Hunter features a somewhat bolder design. Nice West African gifts for a man, don't you think?

Paintings - NOVICA offers hundreds of West African paintings, categorized by style... abstract, cubist, expressionist, and so on. Here's a link to the "African Culture" category, which includes multiple art styles. You can move among specific styles using the drop down menu at the upper left of the screen.

You will probably notice plenty of customer feedback praising the quality of NOVICA gifts, as well as the excellent service. National Geographic sure knows how to please their customers (I find them a joy to deal with), and I'm confident that you'll agree.