© G. F. Kojo Arthur and Robert Rowe - 1998-2001 |
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Abusua Kuruwa Pottery is one of the oldest arts of the Akan of Ghana. Pots are usually made by women. Though cheap and functional, Akan pottery combines utility with great beauty. The Akan use pottery products as cooking utensils, water containers, oil lamps, and general storage. There were in the past pipes with the bowls in the shape of birds, animals, stools and human figures. Pots can also have spiritual symbolism and are a medium for expressive texts. One Akan group the Kwahu, for example, is well known for the funerary ceramics (terracotta) found by archaeologists.
Contemporary potters incorporate several symbols in their works. Examples of pottery with symbols are provided below. |
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Gye Nyame - Except God Biribi Wo Soro - There is Something in the Heavens |
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| BIRIBI
WO SORO - THERE IS SOMETHING IN THE HEAVENS
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BIRIBI WO SORO - THERE IS SOMETHING IN THE HEAVENS Symbol of HOPE, EXPECTATION, and ASPIRATION From the aphorism: Nyame, biribi wo soro na ma emmeka me nsa. Literal translation: God, there is something in the heavens, let it reach me. This symbol was hung above the lintel of a door for the king to touch three times repeating the words of the aphorism for good luck, high hope and good expectations as he went out to carry out his duties each morning. |
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MFRAMADAN - WELL VENTILATED HOUSE
Symbol of HOSPITALITY, SAFETY, RESILIENCE, and SHELTER The Akan house is not only well ventilated, it is resilient and can withstand the hazards of storms, rainfall and the tropical hot weather. This is encoded in the symbol mframadan - well ventilated or breezy house. |
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 A flower vase with the Gye Nyame - except God - symbol |
GYE NYAME - EXCEPT GOD | ||
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To the left is an example work from a contemporary potter, Kwame Amoah incorporating several symbols. | ||
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