Ghana boasts many craftsmen and small businesses who sell their merchandise in open air markets on available lots or along the side of the road. Many owners set up shop in small colorful shipping containers. Some build little wooden structures with corrugated metal roofs.
One popular group of shops among the senior missionaries is called the Pit. We're not sure where the name comes from, but the businesses are located in an area below a busy main street in Accra. An especially talented carver at the Pit has been making wooden Nativity sets and Noah's Ark sets for us to take back to the U.S. We stopped by the other day to pick up our order from Thomas.
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The Pit is a quiet little group of shops with clothing, jewelry, bags, paintings, handmade toys,
trinkets, baskets, batik fabric, kente cloth, brass, wall hangings, statues and wood carvings. |
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| We walk through the narrow alleys to find Thomas's humble space in the very back of the shops. |
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| Thomas begins with solid blocks of wood set in a vice, using very basic tools to carve his figures. |
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These skilled hands have lovingly made many beautiful pieces for his customers, who keep him
in business by spreading the word of his talent, his honesty, his timeliness and fair prices. |
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Thomas likes to make many sets at a time to maintain the integrity and preciseness of each figure.
Above are some animals belonging to his Nativity that are ready to be stained and polished. |
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We have enjoyed our friendship with Thomas. He works very hard, sharing his talent with
many people and providing a living for himself and his family. |
