Browsing by Author "Dzegblor, Noble Komla"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Ewe pottery in philosophical and cultural context
    (2011-12-04) Dzegblor, Noble Komla
    The problem of the study was that, the rich philosophical and cultural components of pottery have not been understood and appreciated due to the fact that the concepts and values of Eυe pottery have not seen adequate documentation whereby information about the numerous vessels that are created can be easily accessed. The focus was on the practices of indigenous pottery in their philosophical and cultural milieus in order to chart a new course for unveiling and documenting pottery to the benefit of Eυes in particular and Ghanaians in general. The objectives of the study are to identify and discuss indigenous Eυe pottery tools, materials, methods and uses in selected centres in the Volta Region to find out the philosophical implications of Eυe pottery and to the extent to which Eυe pottery express Eυe culture. The qualitative research methodology was used in the study. These included descriptive and explanatory. The main data collecting tools were observation and interview. Data from both primary and secondary sources were obtained from observations and interviews conducted on the field. Inclusive were those from books, magazines and the internet. The research found that, Eυe pottery is predominantly traditional and it is still in the hands of women who use available and convenient local tools and materials to make pots, bowls and local stoves. Taboos still control some aspect of pottery such as clay digging. Round/circular shapes are still made because potters maintain that they are balanced when used in fetching water and heat is evenly distributed when placed on the local stove for cooking. Philosophically, pottery containers are regarded as vessels that hold life sustaining substances and therefore this idea is translated into the making of pottery. Further, pottery is considered beautiful when red clay slip is smeared on the surface and rendered smooth and shiny. Again, proverbs are used to portray values in relation to pottery making. Finally the transmission of pottery skills are from mother to child through observation and imitation. It is v suggested that, Eυe potters will adopt less backbreaking forming methods to reduce the incidence of waist pains. The youth should be encouraged to take up the pottery industry from their aging mothers. For the sake of continuity, pottery should be introduced in schools where there is abundance of clay to equip children, the youth with skills necessary for making pots in their respective communities.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Symbolic significance of crests in selected Senior Secondary Schools in Ghana
    (2004) Dzegblor, Noble Komla
    The study was about the Symbolic Significance of Crests with reference to Senior Secondary Schools. It entails the identification of a variety of crests in thirty (30) selected schools in Ghana. The background information of schools as well as the history of selected crests was traced to find out the facts in connection with the crest. An appreciation was also made to describe the shapes of crests and the arrangement of the elements. Interpretation was given to each crest to unveil the messages they carry. In addition, the functions of the crests were given to show how they are used on various items in schools. Again, evaluation of the shapes, charges and colours was done to suggest improvement of crests. The study revealed that crests are designed to outline two basic concepts, that is, acquisition of knowledge and moral values or good character training. They sum-up the aims and objectives outlined by the founding fathers for the schools to follow. In recommendation, it is essential for the rules of heraldry to be followed in the design of the crests so as to make symbols bolder and more real, change the Latin mottoes into English or local languages and above all display the crest at vantage points.