Watch How It's Done: The Making of a Hand-Carved Mask

274 views · Published 3 December 2018 · 0:55 · Indexed 26 September 2026

Channel: UNICEF USA · 2018 · Nonprofits & Activism

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Ernestina is from eastern Ghana. She originally trained to be a dressmaker. 

But realizing that she’d have trouble making a living as a seamstress, she set her sights on another more profitable, male-dominated, trade: carving. 

Today with the help of four assistants, Ernestina and her husband run a workshop where they produce one-of-a-kind handcrafted drums, masks and musical instruments. 

"Though carving has long been regarded as the preserve of men, I am glad that I have been able not only to infiltrate but to also make an impact on the trade."

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