29 | Unique Visitors |
Culture
Throne Ottoman's
November 13, 2011 | 
Author Throne Ottoman
Shop Eco-friendly Treasures by Novica Artisans
Ashanti throne ottoman, ‘Friend’ Price $289.99
Inspired by ancient custom, Nana Frimpong presents this exceptional ottoman in the style of regal Ashanti thrones. Frimpong carves this piece by hand of sese wood, his expertise evident in the fine detailing of the motifs that celebrate his adanfo, meaning “friend.”
Ashanti throne ottoman, ‘Trust Wisely’ price $182.95
Nana Frimpong patiently crafts this masterpiece of sese wood, allowing the material to dry in the sun before executing his imaginative designs. Attractive crosshatching and finely carved curves enhance the beauty of the royal African throne. The name Gye Medi refers to “Trust” in the Akan language – a quality needed by anyone with authority.
Ashanti throne ottoman, ‘Decisions’ Price $233.99
This magnificent sese wood throne ottoman by Nana Frimpong illustrates a West African saying. Meko anaa menko is a statement in the Akan language that means “the decision to go or not to go depends upon whether or not you are subordinate to anybody.” Traditionally expressed in Adinkra symbols, popular wisdom is communicated to the people. Frimpong carefully sculpts the piece by hand, polishing it to a rich finish with dark tan mansion polish….
Beaded throne ottoman, ‘Wisdom of Ghana’ Price $179.95
Traditional Ghanaian Adinkra symbols cover this captivating throne ottoman by Abdul Karim Star. The central image represents sankofa, meaning “go back to your roots,” a message conveyed through the form of a bird with its head tilted backwards. On either side, sweeping curves symbolize sharp blades of blue steel, the Adinkra symbol known as Akofena. It means “Sword of Honor;” the imagery comes from crossed swords used…….
Wood throne ottoman, ‘African Guardian’ Price $69.95
Bold and handsome, a warrior stands guard in this design by Salihu Ibrahim. Inspired by traditional West African thrones, he transforms sese wood into a footstool or child’s throne ottoman.
For more great gift ideas for the Holidays CLICK HERE!!
Find Handmade Furniture from Around the World at Novica.com
JVZoo Product Feed
Posted in 
| 
DRUMS!! | Wood djembe drum
Shop Musical Instruments from Around the World at Novica.com
What is a Wood djembe drum?
A djembe (play /ˈdʒɛmbeɪ/ jem-bay) also known as jembe, jenbe, djbobimbe, jymbe, yembe, or jimbay, or sanbanyi in Susu;
A Wood djembe drum is a skin-covered drum meant to be played with bare hands (but could be played with drum sticks). According to the Bamana people in Mali, the name of the djembe comes directly from the saying “Anke djé, anke bé” which translates to “everyone gather together in peace” and defines the drum’s purpose. In the Bambara language, “djé” is the verb for “gather” and “bé” translates as “peace”.
A Wood djembe drum member of the membranophone family of musical instruments: a frame or shell (in the djembe’s case it is a wood shell) covered by a membrane or drumhead made of rawhide or some other material. Djembes are commonly about 12″ (30 cm) in diameter and 24″ (60 cm) in height, varying a few inches. They can also be found in many smaller sizes, from 5″ (13 cm) to 18″ (46 cm) in diameter.
As a result of the goblet shape, the density of the wood, the internal carvings, and the skin, there is a wide range of tones that can be produced by the Wood djembe drum . The rounded shape with the extended tube of the djembe body forms a device known in physics as a Helmholtz resonator, giving it its deep bass note. The primary notes are generally referred to as “bass”, “tone”, and “slap”, though a variety of other tones can also be produced by advanced players. The slap has a high and sharp sound, the tone is more round and full, and the bass is low and deep.
Wood djembe drum, ‘African Elephant’ Price $137.95
Beautiful and sonorous, this djembe drum depicts an African elephant. It comes from Daniel Asante’s skill and imagination. Carved by hand, the pachyderm holds the cup-shaped drum in its back. Hand-woven kente cloth surrounds it. The goatskin head is affixed by iron rings wrapped in cotton, and a macramé cord can be slung over the shoulder.
Wood djembe drum, ‘Think Together’ Price $167.95
Daniel Asante carves an extraordinary djembe drum from tweneboa wood. He depicts solemn faces in high relief that gaze thoughtfully from the base. Illustrating a wise saying, its name Tikoro Nkoagyina is an Akan word meaning “two heads are better than one.
Wood djembe drum, ‘Ultimate’ Price $279.95
Robert K. Ghartey finds inspiration in Ghana’s musical and textile traditions for the elegant design of this djembe drum. It is carved by hand from tweneboa wood featuring the unique edwene asa patterns found in kente cloths. Meaning “ultimate,” edwene asa appears under the drumhead and at the base.
Wood djembe drum, ‘Elephant Village’ Price $317.95
Evoking the majestic African savannah, an elephant trumpets with pride on the outskirts of a Ghanaian village. Robert K. Ghartey crafts a handsome djembe drum from seasoned tweneboa wood. The goatskin head is affixed by iron rings wrapped in cotton, and a macramé cord can be slung over the shoulder.
Wood djembe drum, ‘Kente Pillar’ Price $348.99
Poised in the hands of a rhythm conductor, the African djembe drum comes to life as sound travels from the taut goat skin head, plummets to the depths of the body, resonates in intense waves of power, then exits the drum magically, drawing the gathered crowd into its alluring beat. This djembe is hand-carved from wood by Joseph Aboagye and wrapped in patterned cotton kente cloth to enhance its visual appeal. An exquisite example of percussive…….
JVZoo Product Feed
GemStone Rings | ring
GemStone Rings
Shop Unique Onyx Jewelry at Novica.com
Amethyst cocktail ring, ‘Orbit’ Price $119.95
Sustained within a luminous orbit, amethyst attracts spiritual wisdoms in a ring by Sandra and Lily. The silver ring combines luminous and textured finishes.
Amethyst cocktail ring, ‘Lucky Horseshoe’ Price $72.95
Shaped like a lucky horseshoe, this ring hosts the mystical beauty of amethyst. An exclusive design by Michele French, it is crafted of luminous sterling silver.
Pearl solitaire ring, ‘Blue Moon’ Price $114.95
A work of radiant beauty, this ring accessorizes with the exotic allure of the mabe pearl. Caine sets the majestic pearl upon a throne of sterling silver, its argent glimmer the perfect complement.
Blue topaz cocktail ring, ‘Wink’ Price $132.95
Dazzling with crystalline sophistication, blue topaz radiates everlasting charm. Caine designs a ring that is original and chic, crafted of glistening sterling silver.
Sterling silver cocktail ring, ‘Empress’ Price $102.95
The opulence of royalty distinguishes this elegant ring. Adapting traditional Balinese styling to today’s fashions, Zayd Makarim creates a stunning design. Makarim takes his inspiration for the spiral motifs from the tight curls on Buddha images.
JVZoo Product Feed
Todays Meditation - Self Love
Today’s Inspiration, Meditation and Decoration – Self Love
Today’s quotation:
Our attitude tells the world what we expect in return. If it’s a cheerful, expectant attitude, it says to everyone with whom we come in contact that we expect the best in our dealings with the world. You see, we tend to live up to our expectations. And others give to us, as far as their attitudes are concerned, what we expect. Our attitude is something we can control.
We can establish our attitude each morning when we start our day–in fact, we do just that, whether or not we realize it. And the people in our family–all the people in our world–will reflect back to us the attitude we present to them.
It is, then, our attitude toward life that determines life’s attitude toward us. Cause and effect. Everything we say or do will cause a corresponding effect. If we’re cheerful, glad to be experiencing this miracle of life, others will reflect that good cheer back to us. We are the kind of people others enjoy being around.
Today’s Meditation
One of the biggest lessons on the spiritual journey is learning to love unconditionally. However, what is often overlooked, is the importance of loving yourself along with everything else. After all, aren’t you a part of the whole of Life? Here is a wonderful old haiku which illustrates this… “On my horse, clip-clopping through the field. Aha! I’m part of the picture!” As you grow to realize that you are an integral part of Life’s grand picture, it becomes clear that loving yourself along with everything else is part of the mission.
Some of you may feel uncomfortable with the idea of self love, because it’s often interpreted as being overly self involved. Many religions teach that total selflessness is the ideal, and that self love is the antithesis of being selfless. I’m not at all knocking selflessness, but is self love really opposed to selflessness? And is it the same as being too self involved? What actually is self love?
Self love is largely a matter of unconditional self acceptance, with a bit of appreciation and compassion for oneself thrown in. Can you accept yourself unconditionally… that is, without having to fulfill certain conditions, or live up to some particular standard? If not, what do you have to do or be, to fully accept yourself? Do you have to be successful? Do you have to look a certain way? Do you have to be giving all the time? Do you have to be constantly productive? The list of conditions we may attach to self acceptance goes on and on.
Here are some exercises you can do for developing greater self love.
1. Deepening your awareness. That means doing a bit of honest soul-searching… asking yourself, “Is there a shortage of self love in my life? And if so, why?… what are the underlying dynamics?” There are a number of ways to shine a light into the unconscious caverns of your mind… quiet reflection, talking it out with a trusted friend or therapist, or writing in a journal are all good approaches. What works best for you?
2. Convincing your conscious and subconscious mind that the Universal Spirit is unconditionally loving. A willingness to re-examine and toss out old beliefs, and to accept this new belief, is usually sufficient for your conscious mind. However, your subconscious mind – which stores information much like a computer – may need a bit of “re-programming.” The daily repetition of a positive affirmation – such as “Spirit is unconditionally loving” – is one of the most commonly used methods for this. Affirmations can be written, spoken aloud, or repeated mentally. Self hypnosis is also a widely used method for re-programming the subconscious mind.
3. Making a list of all your positive qualities. Even though you are cultivating “unconditional” self acceptance, this helps create a shift toward thinking of yourself in a more positive light.
4. Meditating on self love. Here is a simple meditation for learning to accept and appreciate yourself just as you are.
Buddha This meditation is done from the perspective of your “Spiritual Self.” Your Spiritual Self is the quiet, knowing, non-judging observer within you. All the rest of you… your body, mind, emotions, personal traits, etc., we will refer to as your “personality.” Just for this exercise, think of your personality as a separate person.
• Sit comfortably and close your eyes.
• Now begin to observe your personality… notice your thoughts, your emotions, how your body feels, etc..
• Take some time to get acquainted with your personality. Objectively think about its various characteristics.
• Next, imagine that your personality is your child, and that you are its parent.
• See this child as a perfect creation of Spirit… still growing into its highest potential, but perfect at whatever stage it’s now at.
• Accept your child as it is… accept it completely, just as it is.
• Look at your child with appreciation and compassion. Look fondly and compassionately at your child, with all of its strengths and positive traits, as well as it’s various weaknesses and follies.
• Open your heart and embrace this child with complete, unconditional love.
Practicing any or all of the above exercises will help deepen your self love. Although encountering challenges along the way is an integral part the spiritual journey, you will find that healthy self love can be a tremendous aid in smoothing out the rough and rocky stretches of your path.
FULL CREDIT and SPECIAL THANKS!!
Meditation BY Jim Malloy
The World Wide Online Meditation Center
www.meditationcenter.com
mailto:jmalloy@meditationcenter.com
Todays Affirmations
I am filled with light, love and peace.
I treat myself with kindness and respect.
I am ready for a healthy, loving relationship.
I deserve a loving, healthy relationship.
I deserve to be loved and I allow myself to be loved.
Todays Inspirational Picture
Todays Decoration
Todays decoration is from Novica
For more great Meditations watch our BLOG!!
JVZoo Product Feed
NOVICA
Novica – Company Profile
Find Unique Home Decor items from Around the World at Novica.com
Who Is Novica?
You have never seen anything quite like Novica! As neither I, for they are a very different and unique company. I found that very exciting as I started to do my research for this article, on Novica and who they are and what makes this great company tick! They are so diverse that you wonder what is the glue that holds them all together, for they are spread wide and far.
Novica says they want to give artists and artisans around the world a global platform to express their true artistic talents and to spur their creativity. And, they want to provide you with access to unique, hard-to-find items at great values that only the Internet infrastructure can allow.
Some of the artists like the wood sculptors, are from Bali where In spite of many changes caused by the rapid development of Bali’s economy, local and international tourism, Bali’s wide variety of attractions, the physical beauty of the island, and the year-round pleasant climate make Bali a place regarded by many visitors as the “Ultimate Island”. The weather is perfect and the life slower than we are use to.
The island of Bali is part of the Republic of Indonesia and is located 8 to 9 degrees south of the equator between Java in the West and Lombok and the rest of the Lesser Sunda Islands (Sumbawa, Flores, Sumba and Timor) in the East.
Important agricultural products besides rice are tea, coffee, tobacco, cacao, copra, vanilla, soy beans, chilies, fruit, and vegetable (there are now even vineyards near the northwest coast). Bali’s fishing industry and seaweed farming provide other products which are important exports.
Novica Beliefs
Novica believes that at the deepest essence of their philosophy, they want to create a bridge between you and the many talented artisans across the globe.
They say “We want you to know about who you’re buying from”. “We want you to feel that attachment to the product and to the hands that created it”.
In the spirit of the Internet, let us bring you together.
Shop Unique Blue Topaz Jewelry at Novica.com
People of Novica
Other artists of Novica live in Puru, , Ghana, West Africa, Brazil, Thailand and Mexico, where they are all joined together by Novica! It doesn’t matter if you are from Bali or Mexico, these artists are becoming well known and making a living for their families!They love Novica and I can understand why they do!
Ghana Africa seems to have a recovering economy, after years of hardship. Ghana is still famous for it’s unique kente cloth textiles. A most beautiful country, with lots to offer like maybe your next holiday? Every country these great artists come from, are all beautiful and have there own cultural and economic differences. But all have one tying common denominator, and that is Novica and you, who both have changed their lives in different ways but still, changed forever!
Novica has a most unusual Vice President of communications, who has served as a volunteer case investigator for the Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law and the Centro Binacional de Derechos Humanos. She also wrote articles for many magazines and newspapers. Catherine Ryan has explored 43 nations to date and says “All my life I’ve worked to combine my desire to promote important causes with my fascination for meeting new people and exploring new cultures, and I’ve always felt lucky to lead an exciting life.” “But now, instead of just reporting on events as a traditional journalist, Novica has provided me with the opportunity – a great forum with a great audience – to actively promote real change.” She has traveled the world met many new friends, and really does love her job!
You must see the beautiful work done by these around the world artists, to say stunning is being conservative! Awesome wood sculptures & masks, handwoven rugs, paintings & photography. Beautiful, Beautiful work being sold here so please, come and see what you can have in your home today!
Watch our BLOG for more of Novica’s BEAUTIFUL and UNIQUE Products!
Shop Stylish Artisan Made Handbags at Novica.com
JVZoo Product Feed
Global, Tribal & African Masks | Mask
Have you ever wanted a Tribal Mask?
Global, Tribal & African Masks – historically, masks have defined us, defied us, and thoroughly beguiled us! They make tremendous cultural conversation pieces in our homes.
Africa tribal wood mask, ‘Earth Goddess Spirits’ $144.99
Portrayed in a mask, ancestral spirits of the earth goddess grace a beautiful design by Salihu Ibrahim.
Named Bayiri, it refers to small sculptures of the female bush spirits among the Bwa tribe of Burkina Faso.
Such spirits have no natural shape and must be portrayed in abstract geometric form. These feminine spirits are associated with human fertility.
Ashanti wood mask, ‘Ghost’ Price $ $76.46
Carved by hand from local sese wood, the designs and patterns are enhanced by decorated metal plates. Painted in engaging colors, a coat of potassium is applied to achieve the elegant, rustic appearance.
Wood mask, ‘Baruna, God of the Sea’ Price $296.99
Surrounded by a majestic aura, Baruna, guardian of the cosmic order and god of the sea, arises from spellbinding filigree. Worshiping with devotion and praising with flowers…
Wood mask, ‘Give Me Love’ Price $146.66
Smiling sweetly, a beautiful woman dreams of the child she is expecting. He appears above her head as though springing from her thoughts. The smiling infant spreads his arms wide in an appeal for love
Mahogany mask, ‘Legong Keraton’ Price $164.66
Covered with frangipani blossoms, an elaborate headdress crowns a young dancer. Nyoman Subrata sculpts this extraordinary mask from mahogany wood.
Watch our BLOG for more Cultural and Spiritual Home Decor items!
Shop Eco-friendly Treasures by Novica Artisans
JVZoo Product Feed