West
Africa is rich in arts and craft, and so much can be found in Ghana. Arts for
sake do not traditionally exist in Africa. In Ghana, you can find beautiful
hand woven textiles, old and new beads brass works gold jewellery, ceramics,
paintings, sculptures, and wood carvings. Such items can be found in places
like centre for national culture also called the arts centre, AACD the African
Market, Village market, Wild Geeko, Sun Trade Beads, Global Mamas and others.
There
are many others forms of wooden carvings that do not only play a significant
role in ceremonial and traditional life, but that have an aesthetic value as
well. Look at the carvings at the top of chiefs and linguists staffs, each
embedded with symbolism.
The
ubiquitous akwaaba fertility dolls come in many different shapes, sizes and
styles. There are also many masks and sculptures available. Masks are often
copies from other African cultures as there is no tradition of mask making
among the tribes of Ghana.
Another symbol used by artiste in Ghana is the
adinkra. A particular textile associated with Ghana is the adinkra cloth, which
bears symbols by the same name. The cloth is generally associated with funerals
and special celebrations. However, the symbols can be seen everywhere, from
walls to candlestick to tro-tros. Each one has a name and meaning, as well as
an aesthetic appeal.
This artefact is an example of the adinkra
symbol.it is called “Gye nyame” in the local dialect of the Asante in Ghana,
translated as “Except God”. Thus nothing is impossible without God.
Beads
also play an important role in West African life. They are worn to signify
special occasion, wealth and status. Today most artistes in Ghana add brass and
beads to decorate their carvings.
THE
VILLAGE MARKET
This
is a craft market along liberation road. Here you will find makeshift kioks
resembling a shanty town. Nevertheless this quiet community has created some of
the most artistic and beautiful works of arts, wooden adinkra symbols,
traditional stools, decorated coffins, exquisite carvings. There is a whole
community of skills and talented indigenous craftsmen, a visit into the village
itself bring one close to the artist at work. In other to take pictures one
must either buy an artefact or pay a stipulated fee.
Directions:
Located along liberation Road on your left from max mat at 37 next to Opeibia
house and before the traffic light of silver stare tower.
