Amplifying the Ghanaian Bead through Publication Design

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Date
2013-05-20
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Abstract
Adornment with beads is a strong feature in Ghanaian culture. From the north to the south of Ghana, beads are commonly used for various rites, celebrations and everyday purposes. However, in cultural promotion, beads have not been given as much attention as the wearing of our local textile prints or Kente. In view of this the research sought to achieve the following objectives. That is, to examine categories of beads classified as Ghanaian and their characteristics, to review trends that have evolved in the bead-making and bead-stringing industry, to ascertain the extent of consumption and knowledge about Ghanaian beads among the general public and to develop a publication design format that will amplify interest in Ghanaian beads and advocate for wider consumption. Data needed for the study were gathered from bead-makers, bead collectors, bead sellers, bead jewelers and bead users. Sampling techniques such as snowball sampling and purposive sampling were employed to locate and select respondents who were interviewed. Face-to-face interviews guided by interview list or questionnaires (depending on the respondents) and participant observation were the data collection techniques and tools used in retrieving information for the study. The study identified two schools of thought with regard to classification of Ghanaian beads. Furthermore, it revealed the innovative trends in bead making and stringing. It also discovered that most beads users have very little knowledge about beads. The study, thus, recommended and developed a Catalogue on beads titled “STRUNG WITH PRIDE; Ahwenepa, Ghanaian Beads in Print” to aid in the education and promotion of Ghanaian beads, as well as to attract prospective investors into the industry.
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A thesis submitted to the School of Graduate Studies,Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi,in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Communication Design, May-2013
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