African Art in Aburi, Ghana

in #photography7 years ago (edited)

Here are some pictures and portraits of the beautiful and hardworking people of the town of Aburi, near Accra in Ghana. Working in a small community of artisans in the mountains of the Akuapem region of Ghana, these master craftsmen and women work tirelessly creating traditional Ghanaian and African art. As I happened to have my camera on me that day, I asked them if I might kindly photograph them at work. Below are a few of the photographs I captured.

KDB_5393.jpg
A collection of colorful and freshly varnished African masks.

KDB_5397.jpg
A craftsman carving a traditional ghanaian bird.

KDB_5308.jpg
A selection of wooden bowls with african patterns carved into the sides sits alongside a collection of tribal masks.

KDB_5302.jpg
A young apprentice craftsman poses outside his father's shop.

KDB_5342.jpg
These are called 'passport masks' and worked the same way a passport does back in the old times. Each tribe would have a specific mask and this helped identify who was part of which group.

KDB_5318.jpg
Smiling lady outside her store selling masks. I remember buying quite a few!

KDB_5310.jpg
I think I bought all of these!

KDB_5334.jpg
This craftsman has an impressive assortment of larger carvings in all kinds of colours of wood I didn't even know existed...

KDB_5321.jpg
A friendly craftsman invited me into his hut to display his wares, some beautiful tribal masks but unfortunately too large for me to carry.

If you have enjoyed please follow and I'll be sure to keep you posted with photographs from my travels!
www.kwamebrucebusia.com