Art Forms in Ghana: The Stool as a Socio-Politico-Religious Symbol

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to highlight on the traditional carved wooden stool as an excellent art work, and also as the most important single artefact in the traditional Ghanaian Chief’s or King’s artistic paraphernalia. As an artwork, its design elements and production processes have been discussed. The selection of appropriate woods and design motifs for production and their symbolism have also been considered. The various types of stools available and their significance in the sociopolitico-religious milieu of Southern Ghanaians have been given prominence.