Company News

June 2006
Julius Aboagye, the CEO of African Heritage Collection, traveled to Ghana to inspect progress on the company’s new product innovations for 2006/2007. Below is an excerpt from an interview he did about his trip.

“Going on this trip and meeting carvers is the most exciting part of my job because I get to meet and work with some of the creative minds in the handicraft business. I met dozens of carvers in the great outdoors in Ghana. During this dry, harmattan season of brilliant sunshine, we worked under coconut trees, mango trees, in villages, workshops and practically anywhere the carvers felt comfortable.

With the company’s expanding home décor line, we spent a great deal of time with artisans who specialize in furnishings and home accessories. Using a large base of carvers brings much needed income to individuals, families and craft villages. I tell you, carving is a labor of love for these artisans, and they beam with great satisfaction to know their works of art are in American and European homes”.

Carving is a multi-phase process requiring specialized labor to make a product. Phase one, begins with selected logs of wood cut from fallen trees and dried in the sun. The carvers, with simple tools, then begin a complex process of chopping, chiseling, and sheering the log to form a rough shape of the item.  This phase may take a day to several weeks depending on the size and complexity of the piece. Phase two involves sanders and detailers who sand and smooth the item to a fine touch. This may also take a few days depending on the item. The last stage involves expert finishers who apply layers of polish, paint, and other accents to complete the piece. Each product, each phase, is a true labor of love and creativity that goes into making the quality item you desire.

February - April 2006
The CEO and some staff members will travel to Ghana and other West African countries. During their trip, they will meet with government agencies to outline more effective ways to improve the handicraft business. In addition, they will tour various craft villages working on the company’s orders for this year. The group will also search for new and talented artisans and implement product development ideas for 2007. Read all about the group’s trip and watch for some new and exciting products when they return in April.

October 2005
African Heritage Collection will be exhibiting in a new and expanded location at the furniture show in High Point, NC . On display will be our collection of fine home furnishings with beauty, quality and craftsmanship that customers are passionate about. Booth location is 2nd Floor, West wing in Showplace.

High Point Fall Market
Show dates: Oct 20 - 26
www.showplace-highpoint.com
(336) 886-4700

September 2005
African Heritage Collection has teamed up with Tekura Enterprises of Ghana to launch an exclusive line of Home decorating products for 2006. Designers from both companies have begun brainstorming ideas and design concepts. Tekura Enterprises won the 2005 award for the best Handicraft company in Ghana.