Cultural practices play significant role in the conservation of forests and other reserves. Though these cultural practices play huge roles in Ghana, particularly in Asante community, less attention has been given to them. In most... more
Cultural practices play significant role in the conservation of forests and other reserves. Though these cultural practices play huge roles in Ghana, particularly in Asante community, less attention has been given to them. In most communities, these cultural practices of forest preservation are relatively lacking but we have forgotten that most of the forest reserves that Asante community and, for that matter Ghana, can boast of today are those that were preserved centuries ago through the indigenous cultural beliefs and practices. The primary aim of the study was to bring to fore how culture has helped and is still helping in conservation and sustainability of Numafoa forests. The qualitative methods of collecting and analyzing data were utilized. Interviews and observation were the main data collecting instruments used. Results showed that Numafoa forest is believed to be a living realm full of potential powers and abode of a goddess, dwarfs and other spirits. Moreover, the cultur...
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The education system recognises the positive impact of induction on the retention and professional growth of Newly Qualified Teachers in Ghana. This points out the question of how teacher induction programmes should be planned, organised... more
The education system recognises the positive impact of induction on the retention and professional growth of Newly Qualified Teachers in Ghana. This points out the question of how teacher induction programmes should be planned, organised and implemented, and what it should entail. The study sought to examine the forms and strategies of induction programmes organised for Newly Qualified Teachers in Senior High Schools during their initial professional practice. Using the descriptive case study method, data was gathered from forty-two Newly Qualified Teachers, three Assistant head teachers (Academics) from three sampled schools and one municipal human resource officer, all from Ashanti-Mampong Municipality in the Ashanti Region, Ghana. Questionnaire, interview, observation and document analysis were the research instruments used. Data were analysed using inductive and deductive analysis where similar themes and patterns were identified from responses and compared with literature. Find...
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The celebration of the life of the traditional Akans of Ghana was associated with various rites and rituals at various stages from birth through to death and after death. Akans are a matrilineal group of people who live in the middle... more
The celebration of the life of the traditional Akans of Ghana was associated with various rites and rituals at various stages from birth through to death and after death. Akans are a matrilineal group of people who live in the middle belts of Ghana and La Côte d’Ivoire. They have a rich culture which includes the celebration of the various passages of life: birth, puberty, marriage, death, and ancestorship. This study sought to examine the celebration of the rites of passage among the Akans of Ghana and to document the role pottery played in some of the rituals associated with life, death and ancestral veneration. The study revealed that indigenous Akans of Ghana produced special pottery wares such as Abusuakruwa (family cup), Kruwa (cup) and terracotta heads for rituals associated with death and burial rites respectively. The study confirmed that pottery was an important aspect of the life of the indigenous Akan people which provided them with both utilitarian and spiritual answers to their everyday life.
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This study examines the impact of art exhibitions on the teaching, learning, and practice of Art Education in selected Senior High Schools in the Bono Region of Ghana. The study posed two major questions: What is the state of art... more
This study examines the impact of art exhibitions on the teaching, learning, and practice of Art Education in selected Senior High Schools in the Bono Region of Ghana. The study posed two major questions: What is the state of art exhibition practice in the selected schools? What are the emerging roles of art exhibitions in Art Education? The study employed both qualitative and quantitative research designs. The study used a sample size of eighty-one (81) participants from a population of 161 Visual Art students and teachers from three selected schools using the simple random and purposive sampling techniques respectively. On research question one, the study established that the present state of art exhibition practice in the Senior High Schools was constrained due to the uncooperative attitude of school leadership resulting in irregular organization of such events. In relation to research question two, it was found that exhibitions play diverse roles in art education. Among others, ...
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This study examines the impact of art exhibitions on the teaching, learning, and practice of Art Education in selected Senior High Schools in the Bono Region of Ghana. The study posed two major questions: What is the state of art... more
This study examines the impact of art exhibitions on the teaching, learning, and practice of Art Education in selected Senior High Schools in the Bono Region of Ghana. The study posed two major questions: What is the state of art exhibition practice in the selected schools? What are the emerging roles of art exhibitions in Art Education? The study employed both qualitative and quantitative research designs. The study used a sample size of eighty-one (81) participants from a population of 161 Visual Art students and teachers from three selected schools using the simple random and purposive sampling techniques respectively. On research question one, the study established that the present state of art exhibition practice in the Senior High Schools was constrained due to the uncooperative attitude of school leadership resulting in irregular organization of such events. In relation to research question two, it was found that exhibitions play diverse roles in art education. Among others, ...
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The role of technology in textile design and production cannot be over accentuated. Since the inception of textile art in the Asante region of Ghana, the traditional textile artisans have depended largely on technology to design and... more
The role of technology in textile design and production cannot be over accentuated. Since the inception of textile art in the Asante region of Ghana, the traditional textile artisans have depended largely on technology to design and produce their products. There is, however an observed shift in the kind of technology used by the indigenous textile artists in the design and production of their works. The gradual transfer of technology from very indigenous to contemporary ones has, to some extent influence the nature of designs and products done by the textile artists. As Textile Designers and Scholars in Art, it behoves on us to study how this review of technology has affected the indigenous textiles of Asante. This would ensure an effective documentation of the design transition of Asante’s textiles. The study adopted the qualitative research method and used mainly interviews and observations as its research tools. Primary data were collected from producers of Asante traditional tex...
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Brass casting in Krofofrom is well known and unique; this is because it embodies a lot of history and the cultural heritage of the people of Krofofrom, which is portrayed in visual art forms. The purpose of this study was to examine the... more
Brass casting in Krofofrom is well known and unique; this is because it embodies a lot of history and the cultural heritage of the people of Krofofrom, which is portrayed in visual art forms. The purpose of this study was to examine the production processes employed during brass casting. This is because the current generation is losing in the ancient technology due to the problem of generational gap. The researchers critically observed the casting technology performed by the indigenes, interviewed some relevant people who have enough knowledge about the craft and could provide enough information which served as primary data. The descriptive method of qualitative research approach was employed in this study through interviews and observation. The study established that lost wax casting, which is popularly known as “cire per due” is still the most accurate and reliable means of reproducing complex shapes in brass or other metals with all the fine details of an original pattern.
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Body marking is an intangible and a sensitive cultural variable in Ghana. Unfortunately, most individuals do not want to associate themselves with people who have body marks. This obvious misunderstanding of the art has led to... more
Body marking is an intangible and a sensitive cultural variable in Ghana. Unfortunately, most individuals do not want to associate themselves with people who have body marks. This obvious misunderstanding of the art has led to stigmatization of the bearers of these marks. Body markings have been used as a form of identification among many cultures through several generations, Ghana has a rich culture of body marking among the various ethnic groups practice it, yet; the purpose and connotations of these marks have not been uncovered in certain parts of the country. As the study is centered on identification, it will help recognize the cultural identity of the nation by comprehending and embracing the custom of the various ethnic groups of Ghana where the need be. This research is therefore geared towards understanding the purposes and reasons for making body marks. Symbolic and interpretative anthropology and diffusionism were the theories that guided the study and are explained as s...
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... this work. Page 7. vi ABSTRACT AUTHOR: ERIC APPAU ASANTE BA ART (IR AI). TITLE : A STUDY OF SELECTED INDIGENOUS GHANAIAN ... ii. Miss Grace Atinka iii. Mrs. Dorcas Commey Others are: The first Ghanaian woman to become Chief Nursing... more
... this work. Page 7. vi ABSTRACT AUTHOR: ERIC APPAU ASANTE BA ART (IR AI). TITLE : A STUDY OF SELECTED INDIGENOUS GHANAIAN ... ii. Miss Grace Atinka iii. Mrs. Dorcas Commey Others are: The first Ghanaian woman to become Chief Nursing Officer shortly after ...
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The time-tested, resilient and proactive indigenous knowledge of the Asantes were and are still indispensable in the conservation of the biodiversity resources in the Ghanaian community. The researcher critically analysed the high impacts... more
The time-tested, resilient and proactive indigenous knowledge of the Asantes were and are still indispensable in the conservation of the biodiversity resources in the Ghanaian community. The researcher critically analysed the high impacts of Asante indigenous knowledge systems in the areas of taboos, cosmological beliefs and totems in conservation issues in the Abono and Essumeja townships. Using the qualitative research approach with descriptive study, document analysis and case study research methods, the study revealed the enormous impacts of the of indigenous knowledge systems in constantly monitoring the attitudes of residents toward the wanton destruction of the biodiversity resources in the environment. Key informants like Asante chiefs, elders, old indigenes, caretakers of some reserves in the area as well as some youths were purposively and stratified random sampled and interviewed to solicit for their views on the impacts of these Asante knowledge systems in conserving the...
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The study examines the use of waste materials as instructional resources in teaching and learning Art lessons. Primary, Junior and Senior High School Art teachers in Ghana mostly teach their lessons without instructional resources because... more
The study examines the use of waste materials as instructional resources in teaching and learning Art lessons. Primary, Junior and Senior High School Art teachers in Ghana mostly teach their lessons without instructional resources because the government is not able to provide materials to create the needed resources. The study therefore explored local waste materials which create nuisance in the environment in Ghana to create appropriate teaching resources for Art in Ghana. This study shows differences in classroom atmosphere and student performance when instructional resources are used or not used in teaching and learning. The study adopted the exploratory, quasi-experimental and descriptive research methods. Art teachers from Kumasi were selected to teach with developed instructional resources after which lessons taught with and without the instructional resources were compared. The study found that when instructional resources are used for teaching and learning, lessons become mo...
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In African traditional religion, priding oneself in the beliefs and practices of one’s culture is intensely essential. The driving force for this is mainly the need to satisfy the will of a higher power. Cultural practices, being a... more
In African traditional religion, priding oneself in the beliefs and practices of one’s culture is intensely essential. The driving force for this is mainly the need to satisfy the will of a higher power. Cultural practices, being a channel between the living, the dead and the spirits is one of the ways in which a group of people satisfy the will of these higher beings. Body marking, among the Dangme, forms a great deal of aspects of cultural practices which connotes spirituality. This study discusses the concept of spirituality as enshrined in the body marks of the Dangme people of Ghana. To obtain the relevant information needed, the qualitative approach to research has been adopted using interviews and observation as the main data collection tools. These give a rich and in-depth understanding of the body marks that are practiced for spiritual purposes among the Dangme. This paper is a collation of findings from studies conducted between February, 2012 and February, 2019. It is evi...
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The primary aim of this study is to make the indigenous cultural ways of identifying diseases known in order to promote and remove the mystery and superstition associated to them. Due to the nature of the study, the purposive sampling... more
The primary aim of this study is to make the indigenous cultural ways of identifying diseases known in order to promote and remove the mystery and superstition associated to them. Due to the nature of the study, the purposive sampling technique was largely employed. Interviews and observations were the main data collecting instruments used. The four study areas which are Bongari Shrine at Adumakasekese, Asuo Abresua Shrine of Ahwirewam, Bokankye Akua Gyabon Shrine (currently situated at Mankranso Peposo), and Apomasu Kwao Shrine of Ntensere were purposively selected. The study revealed that the traditional healers use items ranging from natural to artificial such as eggs, talismans, cowries, money and other objects to diagnose various diseases. In diagnosing of diseases, the traditional healers take a holistic approach which are the social, natural, spiritual and the cosmic environment which are not in the case of the orthodox medication. It is therefore important for government and...
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Cultural and Artistic elements have a record of accomplishment of conserving biological diversities in Ghana. Unfortunately, the biodiversity policies in Ghana have only their sketchy representations resulting in the conservationists’... more
Cultural and Artistic elements have a record of accomplishment of conserving biological diversities in Ghana. Unfortunately, the biodiversity policies in Ghana have only their sketchy representations resulting in the conservationists’ failure to utilize them in biodiversity conservation management. A qualitative study with Document Analysis and Phenomenology as research methods were used to investigate into the incorporation of cultural and artistic elements in some of the biodiversity policies and strategies in Ghana. Purposive and stratified random sampling procedures were used in selecting the 98 informants for the study. Interpretive Policy Analysis and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis were used for analysing the accrued data from the study. The study revealed that there is dearth in the cultural and artistic elements in the investigated biodiversity policies and strategies due to the scepticism that conservationists have of the conservation ethos latent in them. The study concludes that the National Biodiversity Committee of Ghana must collaborate with researchers in traditional ecological knowledge to solicit for their expert views on how to effectively incorporate cultural and artistic elements into biodiversity conservation management in Ghana. This would aid in promoting a synergistic approach toward the combat of biodiversity depletion.
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Indigenous cultural practices play a significant role in the conservation of forests. Most of the forests within traditional communities in the Ashanti region of Ghana were preserved centuries ago through traditional beliefs and... more
Indigenous cultural practices play a significant role in the conservation of forests. Most of the forests within traditional communities in the Ashanti region of Ghana were preserved centuries ago through traditional beliefs and practices. Yet, less attention has been given to them in modern forest management. In most communities, these traditional practices are gradually “dying out.” This work identified cultural practices that have been used to successfully conserve forests by four communities purposively selected from the Ashanti region of Ghana (i.e., Semanhyiakrom, Akegyesu, Kubease, and Jachie), their benefits, and the perceived reasons for their neglect in the management of public forests. Qualitative data were collected through semistructured interviews using stratified random sampling technique to select respondents. The study found that beliefs, taboos, myths, proverbs, and songs were vital traditional systems used by the Ashantis to effectively conserve their forests. The...
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This article discusses the historical dimensions of six distinct Asafo company flags and two public sculptures from Winneba and Mankessim in the Central Region of Ghana. Specifically, it examines h...
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Pottery plays a very important role in the indigenous culture of the various ethnic groups in Ghana. At Kpando in the Volta Region, the art of pottery making, the meaning and uses of the artefacts are enshrined in some deep philosophies... more
Pottery plays a very important role in the indigenous culture of the various ethnic groups in Ghana. At Kpando in the Volta Region, the art of pottery making, the meaning and uses of the artefacts are enshrined in some deep philosophies that permeate the socio-cultural life of the people. However, the rich theoretical and cultural components of the art have not been fully documented, and are not well understood and appreciated. This knowledge gap has rendered this cultural landmark almost invisible in cultural anthropology and native art. This study therefore provides an intellectual review of indigenous pottery production at Kpando with the view to unearth their role in the social sustainability of the indigenous people. The paper takes a critical look at the ontology of the art, clay winning process, pottery production, their usage and associated taboos. The descriptive method of qualitative research was employed for the study. The findings of the study show that traditional potte...
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ABSTRACT Although various forms of art are prominent in the Asante culture, the performing and visual arts make a particularly vibrant and far-reaching contribution. This study has used a qualitative research approach, relying mainly on... more
ABSTRACT Although various forms of art are prominent in the Asante culture, the performing and visual arts make a particularly vibrant and far-reaching contribution. This study has used a qualitative research approach, relying mainly on observations and interviews, to focus on the role of the performing and visual arts in Asante traditional politics. The results show that the arts offer more than just entertainment and communication – they also play a motivational and educational role that encourages the Asante culture to continue to evolve. It is important that traditional rulers in Asante should help preserve and promote their visual and performing art forms to ensure that the arts continue to play instrumental roles in their traditional leadership.
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Context: The processes of acquiring education in jewellery in Ghana has been dominated by the informal apprenticeship system and it forms the backbone of the workforce of the jewellery industry in Ghana. However, the patronage of informal... more
Context: The processes of acquiring education in jewellery in Ghana has been dominated by the informal apprenticeship system and it forms the backbone of the workforce of the jewellery industry in Ghana. However, the patronage of informal jewellery apprenticeship in Ghana in recent times has been on decline even though it has the potential of training human resources to transform Ghana’s precious mineral resources sector.This is based on the belief that jewellery trade and its training are shrouded in secrecy, in other words, the jewellery trade is considered to be a sacred profession where information on its operating systems are not allowed to be shared easily. It is believed to be associated with cult and magic, hence the reluctant to admit people who are from outside the family of particular jewellery enterprise. This study is sought to bring to fore the understanding nature, processes and challenges of the informal jewellery apprenticeship in Ghana. Approach: The study adopted ...