Tamale in the northern part of Ghana is not a small place but it’s development is still a gradual one compared to the capital city, Accra. I was excited when they decided to inaugurate an art center in the city of Tamale. People like me appreciate the creative works of artist. This studio is actually located in a small community in Tamale called Janachang. A 30 minutes ride from Tamale.
The red clay studio is the personal studio of the Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama. His art is focused on the hardships , labor and struggles of people. Ibrahim Mahama lives in the United states now. Most of his art made him popular and took him to places around the world.
This part is called the medical stretches . Medical stretches from world war, the soldiers who were wounded, were carried on these stretches, you can see from the pictures bloods from the wounds. You can actually tell the struggle and suffering they went through on these stretches.
This part is for the people who are known as “kayayoo”. In Ghana these people carry luggage of people for money. They carry heavy loads of people in the market just to survive on them and feed their families as well. They are mostly in the south, a few migrated recently in the north. “Kaya” is a hausa word meaning “loads”.
You can see from the picture that, “Maria Fuseini Awabu “ is written on the arm of a kayayo. That’s how they were identified in the 90’s where they didn’t even have birth certificates since they were delivered in the house by old women. The main idea of Ibrahim Mahama’s sketch is to make them feel appreciated.
Next we moved to the archives room where they keep blueprints of the projects incase the government loose the original ones. Maybe incase a new government comes and is interested in these projects, the blueprints can be obtained here from the artist.
Moving forward, here they call it “Parliament of Ghosts” . For the artist in this place, past, present and future are in conversation . They believe that as humans have a place where they have their meetings, parties and showcases. This is also a place made for the ghost. I know right, so iconic.
Came across this crocodile skin. That is the chest part of the crocodile.
These are the oldest fungus for over 100 years. Fungus is the local name for Smocks in Ghana here. Some of these fungus were worn by chiefs and elders.
The airplanes have been turned to classrooms for Junior High School students age ranging from 13 to 15. They are five in number. They are taught only on Tuesdays for Information Communication Technology (I.C.T) studies.
Two of the airplane were from the kotoka international airport in Accra and one was from the Tamale airport. Transporting them were by land. I can’t even imagine how many days it took to arrive here in Tamale of a 24 hour drive.
The place is actually free, he mentioned, “it’s for the community, it’s for the world “ . The tour guide left us to take pictures beside the airplanes.
From there we were starving so we went to get lunch at Oasis restaurant and bar. We had noodles and beef.
I actually enjoyed the tour. It’s very educative and interesting. Although it was a short visit, it was truly a quality over quantity situation.
Awesome trip! I’ve always wanted to see this place but never actually made the trip.
It sounds a place that preserves our Ghanaian history. I like it. I didn’t know about the planes getting turned into classrooms. That’s an awesome thing to do for the kids. And the Parliament of ghosts, creepy lol but in a nice historic way.
The tattoo on the the kayaayo’s hand, I thought they just got it as a trend back then. Didn’t know it held any historic relevance to Ghanaian history in the past. Cool to know. Times must’ve been really hard then.
I’ve been to Oasis though. They have great food! At least the ones I ate were great. Need to go back there some time soon. For me, I like going there when I go to the pool. And the pool I go to is not far from Oasis so I just go there from the pool.
Fun trip you made there, and great narration!
Myself I didn’t even know there was a historical reference to this place. I just see people go there and take pictures. I was even expecting that there would be an entrance fee , since nothing is free in Ghana😂
Yesterday was actually my first time eating food in oasis. I’ve gone there twice and all those occasions, I ordered cocktails 🍹, smoothies and kebab. The noodles were delicious compared to the ones I have taken. You should try it when next u go there.
That's an interesting place. I had to look up some of the words as have never herd of them, but at least I've learnt something today. I love the bricks, it's absolutely fantastic!
Oh,one more thing, a little more engagement on your behalf would not hurt. Can bring you more readers and maybe rewards as well. Engagement on Hive is key.
I’m glad u found it interesting.
I will try as much as I can to get engaged. Thank you