Today’s article features the wonderful piece of art work that Africans are blessed with..Maybe Ghanaians can also boast so well of the great gift we are endowed with by nature.
There are several wood workers around the world sharing their expertise by crafting beautiful creations like what Ghanaians do too. Lucky for Ghana,the world still recognize the nation craft export as one of the leading wooden handicrafts suppliers…
Today, Ghanaian wood carvers produce an endless variety of figurines and plaques for the tourist trade, or for export to other countries. Some are cleverly designed with modern African figures and animals which am proud to share with my lovely STEEMIANS…Yes l know you going to love them.
PRODUCTION
Wood carving is mainly done throughout Ghana but it is most centered in Ahwiaa which is a suburb of Kumasi found in the Ashanti Region.
The wood carving tradition was always an important part of the culture of the ethnic Akan(the larger ethnic group) people who, for centuries have occupied all of Ghana. In Ghana, the primary woods used in carving are Sese (Holarrhena wulfsbergii) and Tweneboa . The tweneboa is a sacred tree. Its name literally means "drum tree". It is relatively soft and easy to carve and sometimes already hollow, which makes it ideal for drum making. Other woods used include: Afromosia, Mahogonay, Odum “Iroko”, Cedrela and Sinuro,wawa and the likes.
OUR HISTORY
I got to know this from history that, trees in Ghana were considered dwelling places of supernatural spirits and powers, both benevolent and malevolent. The trees cut for carving were given certain ritual purification rites. When a carver acquired a new set of tools, the tools had to be pacified to solicit good and cordial relations from the spirits. Strong alcoholic drinks were poured on the tools and special libation prayers were offered..Hmmmm I know it sounds weird but that’s what the heritage gives.
Today Ghanaians make their own tools out of iron and steel and keep them very sharp…They make nice and amazing artwork which are exported over the world..You may find your way here someday to have a real feel of the nice artwork made here.
THE SPECIAL ARTWORK
ANIMALS SCULPTURE ARTWORK
wooden bull dog
wooden lion
amazing carved animal
A five in one unit sculpture which signifies unity among us.
The Ashanti made stools are also topics by themselves. They were a symbol of status among the tribal leaders and can also be a carved material. They are carved from a single piece of wood.
Most stools had an Adinkra symbol on the front. These symbols were also found on Ghanaian clothes.. They are used today on many handicraft items. Most modern Ghanaians know the meanings of each Adrinka symbol which I will feature some of these meamings in my later articles. The symbol on the stool in the photo above is called Gye Nyame, meaning except for God, and indicates the supremacy of God our creator...No wonder most people travel all the way from their various homes to share with us the awesome artifacts that we produce...You may try to find your way here someday and see many other beautiful artwork which people here are producing...Infact we have strong believe in all these works..They define us ..Proud to be African and a Ghanaian.
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Only steemit does this....am really glad to showcase what our culture has to offer the world....
I love that African art! The figure in your first photo is gorgeous. Great job!
Yeah....just showcasing afriacan artwork...thanks bro
Nice art
Thanks..lets help do more to make a steemit bigger