Cefiks Photo Gallery

Baskets

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 01:31:02 -0500

Akan-Umbrella-Finials

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 11:30:26 -0500

Woodcarvings of Ghana

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 11:29:19 -0500

The wood carving industry of Ghana is an indigenous craft tradition that remains vigorous in a world of rapid change. Wood carving has retained its economic and cultural importance for hundreds of years. Wood is one of the most important materials Ghanaians use in their arts to express their thoughts. Wood is used to carve various items for household use as well as for ceremonial uses. In both their utilitarian and ceremonial usages wood carvings communicate symbolic, aesthetic and spiritual values. It is, therefore, important to see Akan wood carving not only for its aesthetic value as �museum piece.�

Adwa - Stools

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 22:40:08 -0400

Leather Products From Ghana

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 11:55:51 -0400

Beautiful leather products are handcrafted in Ghana. Bolgatanga, regional capital of Upper East Region of Ghana is one town noted for its leatherworks.

At Okim Oda, Eastern Region, Papa Boye, a noted sandal maker has been plying his trade for about 50 years. Sandals shown in this album are from Papa Boye's shop.

Women Hairstyles

Sun, 07 Oct 2007 23:59:52 -0400

Throughout Ghanaian history, hairstyles have functioned as markers for social status, age and political position. Some are designed for special occasions, others are meant for daily wear, but all of them are indicative of a larger cultural and historical landscape in which these elaborate designs pass from one generation to the next.

In the late 1950s and early '60s, the popular use of wigs began to threaten traditional hairdressing and contributed in time to the gradual disappearance of elaborate hair designs in the visual patterns of Ghanaian life. Since then there has been a resurgence of women's hairdos as part of cultural renaissance. Each hairstyle speaks to an ancient history, an accumulated knowledge, and the present state of a living culture. These intricate creations involve many hours, sometimes even days, of braiding assembled in weave-like, linear patterns. Hairstyling is a form of art.

Ghana Food Groups

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 22:33:48 -0400

Climate and ecological conditions, for example, determine what food crops and livestock are practical to grow locally. Dietary patterns are also influenced by cultural and religious norms, and by a region's history of contact with foreign foodstuffs and cultures through trade, migration, and colonization.

In the second half of the 20th century, Ghanaian food systems have been particularly transformed by urbanization and related changes in women's work and by foreign donations of food aid.

Visit http://www.cfiks.org/food_in_ghana.htm for more information.

Indigenous Ghanaian Architecture

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 22:23:34 -0400

The aesthetics of the environment we build and the quality of the social interactions that take place within those environments reverberate on our spiritual life. The built environment which we inhabit affects the qualities of all our lives.

Built environment is socially determined and this gives rise to a number of questions. First, does architecture play a part in the social relations between majority and minority groups, and if so, what role does it play? In particular, how does architecture express and/or play a part in the action of issues of power, status, and conflict? Second, does architecture become a tool in social relations between groups? How is architecture used by groups? Does architecture give indications of adaptation and resistance? Third, can vernacular architecture be an agent in non-harmonious social relations and of oppression?

Indigenous Architecture

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 22:20:22 -0400

Architecture With Non-Ghanaian Influence

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 22:16:53 -0400

Medicinal Herbs and Plants

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 21:48:34 -0400

Ghana has an extremely rich bio-diversity, which has remained largely unexplored. Coupled with that is extensive indigenous knowledge relating to the use of herbs and plants, on one hand, and animal products, on the other, for the treatment of disease. This album contains pictures of plants and herbs used for medicinal purposes.

Household Items

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 21:22:24 -0400

Akyeame Poma - Linguist's Staff

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 20:51:25 -0400

Abusua Poma - Family Staff

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 20:46:30 -0400