The socio-cultural significance of canoe decoration among the people of the Efutu Traditional Area in the Central Region of Ghana

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2012
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Abstract
This study aimed at examining the socio-cultural significance of canoe decoration among the people of Efutu Traditional Area in the Central Region of Ghana. The research work was conducted at the Efutu Traditional Area precisely Winneba, Senya and Fete respectively in 2010/2011 academic year. The study was to answer the following questions: (i) what are the socio-cultural importance of canoe decoration among the Efutu people, in the Central Region of Ghana? (ii) To what extent do the canoe designs and inscriptions communicate to the people? (iii) And how does the socio-cultural importance of canoe decorations impact the people of the Efutu Traditional Area? The study was purely a qualitative descriptive research. A sample size of one hundred and fifty (150) people were selected out of the fishermen, chief-fishermen, canoe owners, canoe custodians and canoe artists (like painters, carpenters and carvers) from Winneba, Senya, and Fete respectively. The main instruments used for the collection of information were observation and interview. Again, it was observed that the Efutu people often preserve their beliefs and values and convey them from generation to generation through their arts. That is, through the symbols and inscriptions made on their canoes, music, dance and festivals such as the Aboakyir. This piece of work will serve as great source of information for historians, art critics, anthropologists and other art researchers who want to know more about canoe decoration, its philosophical and socio-cultural significance. Again, it would be beneficial to organizations such as Centre for National Culture, Museums and Monument Boards, Ghana Tourists Board for National Archives and other ethnic groups in Ghana who would want to dig into the symbols and inscriptions found on canoes in the Efutu Traditional Area.
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A thesis 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, February-2012
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