Visual representation of selected Akan proverbs in Ghana: their philosophical and socio-cultural values
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Date
2011
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Abstract
The purpose of the study was to identify forty Akan proverbs that are used in daily activities for communication and education in the Ghanaian traditional environment. The selected proverbs were visualised into symbols and explained. Fifteen of the symbols were used to produce textile pieces (pictorial batik), wood carvings and clay work to demonstrate their use in the African handicraft. The descriptive technique of qualitative research methodology was employed. The descriptive method was used to explain the philosophical and daily applications of the proverbs. The Art-based method was used to illustrate the proverbs into symbols. The research found out that proverbs, which constituted major components of the Ghanaian communication skill in the 19th and 20th century is fast falling into the background in this 21st century. Also, creativity in the creation of symbols by students and artisans is also declining drastically. Therefore, this research recommends that more symbols should be created using the numerous proverbs and wise sayings that are in existence to salvage the declining image of Akan proverbs as an important component of African art. These symbols should be made available to the craft industry as well as to serve as educational materials in Ghanaian schools.
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A project/thesis report submitted to the School of Graduate Studies,
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in African Art and Culture