The arts of a people reflect their ideas and values. Some Ghanaian values includes the attitudes, behaviors, habits and beliefs which we think it is important to practice in our everyday lives. For instance, we cherish honesty, respect, honor, hospitality and hard-work. Other values are to do with how we deal with our neighbors, the part we play in society and the ways in which we dress, talk and address people. Our ideas about religion and he rites of passage (birth, puberty, marriage and death) also reflect some of our values.
The forms in Ghanaian arts are meant to represent the basic social principles which have guided our general outlook to life throughout the ages. Hence, to the Ghanaian, there is no distinction between the arts and general ways of living. Whatever forms are created are an integral part of life. They include sculptures, pottery products, textiles, jewellery, basketry, leather products, calabash and gourd work, music, dance, drama and poetry.
So traditionally the Ghanaian does not do art for its own sake. All our indigenous art forms are functional. They are used in every aspect of our lives-social, religious, political and economical. Therefore, they serve as the means by which we are identified as a people, Below are examples of the significance and functions of some Ghanaian art forms.
Sculpture
This is a Ghanaian art form of great importance. Some examples of sculptural forms include stools, ceremonial swords, linguist staff tops, umbrella tops, wooden(akuaba) dolls and gold-weights.
stool
ceremonial sword
Poetry Symbols
Generally, indigenous Ghanaian poetry is made in particular forms. These are usually oval, spherical or half spherical in shape. Oval-Shaped pots are used for washing purposes and as containers for palm wine. These spherical-shaped pot is used as a container for storing drinking water. The sphere is like a circle in cross section. The circle is a symbol of purity. It signifies all things that are sacred and pertain to God. Thus, the spherical(circular)pot is usually associated with God, who is the giver of life. Symbolically, water is a factor that promotes life and so a circular pot is used to store it in. In similar sizes, the spherical pot is used in storing pito, corn drinks and medicine.
*The half-sphere shape is related to the crescent moon symbol, which signifies the warmth and affection of a mother. Pots of this shape are used in serving food. Like water, food is important in promoting life. The half-sphere shaped pot is also used for storing pomade. The brilliance in the oil is an attribute to God, the giver of all life.
We can see, then that all indigenous pottery are associated with the promotion of life. Perhaps that is the reason why potters feel like relating their shapes to the symbols of God. *
Textile Symbols
Generally, it is the nature of the Ghanaian to choose cloths with color an motifs the bear symbolic meanings. Frequently, we want to wear cloths which signify the feelings of particular occasions. There are costumes for joyful occasions, such as festivals, durbars, outdooring of children, puberty and initiation rites and marriage ceremonies. Sad occasions such as funerals require the wearing of different costumes. For example, joyful occasions are often associated with white and gay colors, while funeral and mourning activities go with colors ranging from dark red or blue through brown to black. When a person wears a dark red or brow(burnt sienna) cloth, it is a sign that he has just lost a close relative. The color signifies a deep feeling of melancholy. A black or indigo-blue cloth shows prolonged grief over the death of a loved person such as a mother, father, son, daughter husband or wife.
Very often, the fabrics have motifs which are proverbial symbols. The names given to these symbols indicate their significance. In most cases the meanings are given to these symbols indicate their significance. In most cases the meanings are associated with the day-to-day activities of the society. They express the general beliefs and ideas of the people. These motifs are known as Adinkra symbols and they are usually stamped all over the surface of the cloth. Adinkra means saying goodbye. In the past, the final stages of royal funerals were marked by wearing Adinkra mourning cloths. Today, adinkra is used for all funerals, irrespective of the rank of the deceased person. The significance of adinkra is to bid farewell to the spirit of the dead. Some examples are.
Obi-nka-bi- This literallly means, bite not one another or avoid conflict. Therefore, it is a symbol of unity.
Akoma(Nye akoma), Akoma means heart. Nya Akoma literally means take heart, or be patient. It is a symbol of patience and endurance.
Osrane ne Nsroma. This means moon and star. The two together form a symbol of faithfulness.
Nkyn Kyia or several curves. This literally means changing one's self. It is a symbol which signifies that there is the need for adjusting oneself to be able to play many roles in society.
Jewellery Symbols
The symbolic nature of things is also shown in jewellery. Finger and toe rings, earrings and beads have names which symbolize events or processes in life. Symbols on rings are numerous. here are two examples.
- The mud-fish. The usual place for the fish is in water. Thus, if one manages to catch and possess it, this symbolizes total ownership. Also, it is not the choice of the fish to be roosted on fire, but if this happens, the situation is accepted in good faith. The mud-fish therefore signifies the need t o adapt oneself to diverse situations.
The dove, a symbol of peace and hope.
In the bead-making field too, there are such names as adiagba(Dangme) meaning wealth and koli(Dangme) meaning precious. Both means portray the greatness and worth of the wearer. Among the Akan one comes across such names as.
Teteaso Wonnkyere meaning God the father of ancient times is not pointed to anyone. This signifies that everybody, including children are aware of the existence of God as the giver and sustainer of life.
Gyanae ye perentoa nso onnkasa. This is translated as Gyanae is a glass bead, yet it is always noiseless. This symbolizes quality and that it is unwise to boast about one's wealth. A wealthy person can be identified through his lifestyle and not through his boast.
Canoe Symbols.
Indigenous Ghanaian fishermen have their own symbols, often carved and painted on the sides of their canoes. Canoe symbols have proverbial meanings, These proverbs often serve as pieces of advice or compliments. They also communicate some social values and concepts. Sometimes, spiritual meanings are associated with the designs to portray the beliefs and aspirations of the society. Examples are the anchor, the crab, the bird, the elephant, The snake and fish, the heart, the star, The arm and hand, The arrow etc.
Body Arts.
Arts of the body are a form of symbolic art in Ghana. Some common body arts are in Ghanaian society include face-marking and coiffure or hairdressing. Face-marking is an important form of body art. Many clans or families practice face-marking as a means of identifying themselves. On the other hand, when a family loses tow or more babies by death, it is believed that the gods, ghost or some spirits in the other world have called them. For this reason, the next child is marked on the face to disfigure him, to make him unattractive to the citizens of the spiritual world. Another instance in which the body is sometimes marked is during sickness. Little cuts are made at a specific parts of the body, such as a form of protection.
Hairdressing is a form of body art. Some examples are dansinkran, which is the original female hairstyle in Ashanti and takwa which is a type of hairdressing typical of Fante women. In Northern Ghana and Volta Region, women's hairstyles in which all the hair is tied up into one bunch on the top of the head signifies that the woman is mourning a dead husband. Attendants of the paramount chief-stool, drink and sword bearers and maidservants of the queen mother also wear symbolic hairstyles as sign of their office or rank.
