Most of my work is carved from Ebony wood or Sese wood and designed with the help of a vee gouge or a so gouge (which is a very small hoe-shaped gouge.)  These gouges leave the carving looking very rough.   With the help of course 60 degree teeth sand paper I clear the chisel marks.   I work in natural wood products, so from time to time, the wood has nicks or has imperfections that need to be corrected before any finishing is done. Mask putty fill is used after the mask has been rough sanded to remove all nicks and imperfections.  Then I use a finer grade of sand paper to remove the marks left from the course paper.  At this stage, a natural insecticide is brushed on to treat the wood and to protect the mask from insect infestation.  Then finer (smooth) sand paper is used to make the mask completely smooth.

In the case of light woods, potassium is then applied to create the deep rich and uniform color Next,  it is time to design the markings and symbols.  Black Suden (dye) is used selectively to create the proper design. I emphasize the parts of the mask and the markings which best relate its meaning. Then I let the dye dry.  After 1 hour of drying, I apply brown polish and then sanded with 180 dead sand paper (well-used sandpaper) when the polish dries.  Another application of polish and a 3^rd application is applied then dried.  The dead, smooth sand paper is used once again before the final polish—this time the polish is dark tan. The finished product is then brushed and buffed for a brilliant glow.

Care
Little care is required. When dusty, wipe the mask with a clean dry rag.  You can also apply dark tan polish to restore like-new finish. But avoid water. water can cause a brightening of the wood in spots.

“Everyone is welcome to this site.  I want to build friendships all over the world with my brothers and sisters who are interested in handicrafts and who are also excited about African culture. You can contact me via email.  Thanks a lot. “

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