In Northern Ghana women have traditionally painted the walls of their houses. As with many indigenous crafts, each year fewer houses are being decorated in this unique display of talent. For many years I have been working with craftspeople in Ghana learning traditional skills. To share this with others, I have built a crafts center in Accra, the capital of Ghana, basing the construction on traditional African architecture. To symbolize the importance of retaining customs, the final phase of Aba House will bring women from the North to paint the building using traditional patterns that they use in painting their own houses. We will document this collaboration between Western and African women, and present it as a reminder of the creativity that once was.
TRADITIONAL
AFRICAN HOUSEPAINTING
WHEN: January, 2002
WHERE: GHANA, WEST AFRICA
Itinerary:
We are planning a special tour for
Jan. 2002 that will give participants a unique opportunity to visit the women painters in their own homes.
This tour will be of particular interest to architects and potters and others interested in
the use of clay in Africa. Details to follow....
Contact:
Ellie Schimelman
617-277-0482
abatours@africancrafts.com