University Of Ghana shows brass and gold weights
THE Institute of African Studies of the University of Ghana on
Thursday opened an exhibition of more than 1,200 brass works used as
weights for the gold trade in the Gold Coast.
From
April 18, 2008
Venue:
Kwabena
Nketia Conference Hall,
Kwame
Nkrumah Complex,
Institute
of African Studies
|
Department for the Study
of African Religions
Postal Address:
University of Ghana
P.O. Box LG 25
Legon, Accra. Ghana
E-mail:
pad@ug.edu.gh
|
Brass, Gold Weights Exhibition
found 20-Apr-2008 at lifestyle.ghanabase.com
The brass gold weights were bought from a German collector, Dieter Rottger, by
the late Gyasehene of Akuapeman, Nana Wereko Ampem II, and subsequently donated
to the university in March 2005, few months to his death, to serve educational
and tourism purposes.
The exhibition, dubbed "Kuduo — the Akan Art of Brass Casting",
begins in a chronological manner with the display of brass gold weighing items,
followed by the various groups of brass work and then explains the various
processes of brass casting.
Kuduo is a cast brass container in which precious items such as gold dust and
nuggets are kept. It is also used in other various contexts as prestigious
container for other valuables as well as at important traditional ceremonies
like bragoro (initiation of young girls into adulthood).
The brass works are made in the designs of musical instruments, farming tools,
animals, military equipment, cooking utensils, foot wear and chief regalia,
among other things.
Further, a 32-minute documentary and a brochure on the donated brass, its
history and the process of production, were also launched by the institute to
complement the exhibition.
The documentary was shot in Kroforom, Kumasi, where the art of brass work is
believed to have emerged from and employs interview with some of the casters who
inherited it from their forefathers.
The director of the institute, Professor Takyiwaa Manuh, said that since the
institute took delivery of the items from the late Nana Ampem II, who was also
the Chancellor of the university, it has worked hard to exhibit the collection
for the education and enjoyment of the school community and the public.
She expressed gratitude to the late chancellor for his foresight to donate such
collection to the institute, especially in the wake of the acute limited funding
for art and cultural related activities.
Prof.Manuh said that brass weights which were used in business transactions has
now evolved from weights into contemporary utilitarian objects. "Some are
designed and cast as coat hangers, drawer handles, candle stick holders and
several more."
She urged all to visit the exhibition which is at the building of the Institute
of African Studies to see the objects which have been preserved and communicated
through the array of proverbial and other cast brass works.
The Chairman of the National Commission on Culture, Professor, George Hagan,
said the exhibition would enable Ghanaians to appreciate the importance of the
nation’s artistic heritage and help retrieve "whatever we have lost
through centuries of pillage and theft."
He urged all to see the national gallery of African art built to collect,
protect and exhibit traditional and contemporary creations as a necessity and
not a luxury, since that that would help to retrieve the lost heritage.
The project was sponsored by the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA)
and the ICT Directorate of the University of Ghana.
The exhibition continues until further notice. | |
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