batik (ghana)
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Batik wall hanging, ‘Festac Mask’
Posted by Novica on 06 Oct 2008 | Tagged as: batik (ghana), home decor, novica, wall hangings & tapestries
A mask to honor ancestors, this is largely known as “Festac,” to commemorate the Festival of Arts and Crafts. A yearly event that began in Nigeria, the festival showcases African artistry. K. Baka presents a well-detailed rendition of the renowned mask, in hues of yellow, red, and green. To create this captivating scene, Baka works with vegetable dyes on pure cotton cloth.
Batik wall hanging, ‘Seeking Peace’
Posted by Novica on 29 Apr 2008 | Tagged as: batik (ghana), home decor, novica, wall hangings & tapestries
Clinging to his mother, a child seeks comfort. She herself seeks a place of peace. Alexander Nyankson presents a powerful wall hanging that protests war. Bordering the bright batik, weapons are crossed over with an “X” in a plea for a better world.
Batik wall hanging, ‘Love is Beautiful’
Posted by Novica on 26 Apr 2008 | Tagged as: batik (ghana), home decor, novica, wall hangings & tapestries
Cradling her infant in her arms, a young mother offers her nurturing breast. She rocks and sings to the tiny child in a manifestation of pure love. Alexander Nyankson immortalizes every African mother with this lovely batik wall hanging.
Batik wall hanging, ‘The King’s Mask’
Posted by Novica on 25 Apr 2008 | Tagged as: batik (ghana), home decor, novica, wall hangings & tapestries
West Africa has a rich tradition of masks, embodied in a wall hanging by K. Baka. Each has its meaning ??? protection, strength, peace, joy and love, for example. This beautiful batik depicts a horned mask, signifying bravery. It corresponds to a king.
Batik wall hanging, ‘Working Together’
Posted by Novica on 24 Apr 2008 | Tagged as: batik (ghana), home decor, novica, wall hangings & tapestries
Conversing as they share the work, two women make fufu in a mortar and pestle, alternately pounding and turning the traditional Ghanaian dish. The savory mixture of boiled cassava and plantain is served with all kinds of soups and eaten mostly by the Ashanti people. Portraying the women in traditional clothing, Alexander Nyankson presents a batik wall hanging he names Mmoa, or “Help” in the Akan language.
Batik wall hanging, ‘Fish Merchant’
Posted by Novica on 16 Apr 2008 | Tagged as: batik (ghana), home decor, novica, wall hangings & tapestries
A common sight along Ghana’s seashore, vendors offer seafood for sale. K. Baka depicts one such woman as she strides across the sand. On her head, she gracefully balances freshly-netted fish. Batik is the artist’s medium.
Batik wall hanging, ‘Aklowa by Night’
Posted by Novica on 14 Apr 2008 | Tagged as: batik (ghana), home decor, novica, wall hangings & tapestries
The moon’s silver glow illuminates the village of Aburi, where K. Baka was born. Renowned for its spectacular view of Accra, this aklowa (meaning “village” in the Ga language) is surrounded by exotic and medicinal plants. Baka uses dyes and pigments extracted from plants to obtain the fascinating colors that enliven this composition.
Batik wall hanging, ‘Priestess’
Posted by Novica on 11 Apr 2008 | Tagged as: batik (ghana), home decor, novica, wall hangings & tapestries
In Africa, ritual pots are used at the shrine for sacrifice during festivals or when there is a calamity in the town. The priest or priestess puts herbs, eggs and a little water into the pot and raises it to the skies to provoke any evil spirit disturbing the town. The same action gives thanks to the gods for protection throughout the year. Working in batik, K. Baka depicts a priestess with the ritual pot.
Batik wall hanging, ‘Way to Womanhood’
Posted by Novica on 10 Apr 2008 | Tagged as: batik (ghana), home decor, novica, wall hangings & tapestries
Among Ghana’s Krobo tribe, when a girl comes of age, a ceremony is held. This tells men in the township that she is ready for marriage. The ceremony begins with a ritual that severs all ties with her childhood, then initiates go into a three-week period of seclusion, during which they learn the ways of adults. Upon completion, they publicly demonstrate their dancing skills. Alexander Nyankson depicts these rites in a batik wall hanging.