Adinkra
cloth (our thanks to Marcy Prager for
sharing these videos)
These clips were filmed in Ntonso, a village near
Kumasi. Adinkra is indigenous to the Ashanti and originally black stamps on black cloth were used for mourning. Now many colorful cloths are used and are worn for all occassions.
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The comments heard on this clip are in response to a question about the Golden Stool which is believed to contain the soul of the Ashanti Kingdom. Do you know why the stool is kept hidden?
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The adinkra stamps all have meanings based on African proverbs. You can order a cloth that sends a message. The cloth is worn over the left shoulder, toga style.
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Krobo
glass beads (our thanks to Marcy Prager for
sharing these videos)
The Krobo of Ghana are famous for their glass beads. Krobo women treasure their bead collections and might give one away as a special gift, but would never consider selling it. Fortunately the beads are being made in many workshops, so you can buy them for yourself. The technique looks deceptively easy, but to be a master bead maker takes several years of apprenticeship. As with many traditional crafts, new ways of producing are creeping in. Clear beads and painted beads are not traditional.
clip: describes painting of powdered beads...
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Asafo
Company (our thanks to Marcy Prager for
sharing these videos)
Dancing the Flags at Aba House. Asafo companies are prevelent in the Fanti areas of
Ghana. Originally used to lead villagers into battle, the flags are now used ceremonially. Each town might have several Asafo companies and each company has it's own flag with pictorial representations of proverbs. Aba House doesn't have it's own flag yet, but our dancers are the best!
Kobi's
drum group (our thanks to Marcy Prager for
sharing this video) Kobi is our renaissance man. He drums, dances, eats fire, does marionette performance and also makes the drums and puppets. He is one of the many talented artisans at Aba House.
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Aba House kids improvise! (our thanks to
Jo Stealey for
sharing this video) Just when we think that the Aba House kids have displayed all of their
talents, we are treated to a new surprise. No drums? No problem. All you
need is enthusiasm.
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The comments heard on this clip are in response to a question about the Golden Stool which is believed to contain the soul of the Ashanti Kingdom. Do you know why the stool is kept hidden?
The adinkra stamps all have meanings based on African proverbs. You can order a cloth that sends a message. The cloth is worn over the left shoulder, toga style.
