Pseudo Traditional Wood Sculptures in TTU, Ghana: A Study of Four Works by an Artist-Lecturer

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18533/jah.v11i02.2232

Keywords:

Akan and Yoruba ethnicity, Artist-lecturer, Ghanaian art, traditional relief wooden sculptures, Takoradi Technical University

Abstract

This paper focused on the general characteristics of traditional wood sculptures produced in the Takoradi Technical University (TTU) community by an artist-lecturer from the Akan and Yoruba ethnic backgrounds. Through the qualitative research approach, the paper gave an anthropological perspective on the traditional wood sculptures produced in TTU as a primary art form that served as an inspiration for young Ghanaian artists. The population for the study were four (4) wood carved sculptures, namely: two heads are better than one, Africa, the blessed continent, justice and security and transition; and the sculptor who produced the traditional wood sculptures. Data were collected from the Artist-Lecturer using unstructured interview and direct observation with photographs. The data were analysed using visual and interpretive analysis tools. The paper revealed that the four traditional wood sculptures by the artist-lecturer attest that the Akan and Yoruba ethnic groups found in Ghana and Nigeria-West Africa are very religious groups of people with their beliefs and religious practices known to be very spiritual and powerful. It is hoped that other Ghanaian artists from different ethnic backgrounds could share similar traits of their beliefs and religious practice to enrich the arts and culture of Ghana.    

Author Biographies

Fredrick Boakye-Yiadom, Takoradi Technical University

Fredrick Boakye-Yiadom is a Senior Lecturer at the Sculpture Technology Department, Takoradi Technical University. He holds MA in African Arts & Culture, BFA (Fine Art) from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi-Ghana. Boakye-Yiadom is a practising sculptor with hands-on experience in the teaching of sculpture courses at the tertiary level. He holds PhD in Arts & Culture at University of Education, Winneba-Ghana.

Victor Kweku Bondzie Micah, Takoradi Technical University

Victor Kweku Bondzie Micah is an Associate Professor and the Pro Vice Chancellor at Takoradi Technical University. He holds PhD in Arts & Culture from University of Education, Winneba and MFA (Fine Art), BFA (Fine Art) from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi. Micah is a practising sculptor with fifteen years of hands-on experience in the teaching of basic art courses at the tertiary level. He has published books, research articles, and has participated in several art exhibitions in Ghana.

Evans Kwadwo Donkor, Takoradi Technical University

Evans Kwadwo Donkor is a Senior Lecturer at the Sculpture Technology Department, Takoradi Technical University. He is currently the Deputy Director of the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Development (DRID), Takoradi Technical University (2021- ). He is best known for his composite sculptures made from scrap metals and discarded automobile parts and other industrial detritus. Donkor holds his PhD in Arts & Culture at University of Education, Winneba. As an artist, he strongly believes in bringing every material to life, reshaping and attaching the various components, giving old and new materials a new purpose as well as a bit of soul.

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Published

2022-04-15

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 02 (2022): February

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Copyright (c) 2022 Fredrick Boakye-Yiadom, Victor Kweku Bondzie Micah, Evans Kwadwo Donkor

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