Ghanaian Expression for Art
Having delved into the aspect of the worldview of Ghanaian art, let us focus on our attention on
semantic expression of the word art. Ghana is ethno-multi-linguistic nation with over ninety
languages. Amongst the languages, the Akan constitutes the largest ethnic majority among the
multi-ethnic population of Ghana according to 2021 Population and Housing Census.
The Akan expression for design is Adwine or edwindze. The expression ‘dwin’ denotes using the
power of the mind to create something. It is the fruit of creative thinking to create designs.
Dwimfo means a designer. The Ewes, one of the ethnic groups in Ghana, use the expression
adbu which means design. Amongst all the ethnic groups of Ghana, there is no word for the term
art. Art is not distinguished from craft. Crafts are considered as design and therefore, art. In
terms of Ghanaian indigenous philosophy of art, craft is not separate from art. Collingwood
(1958) distinction of art and craft is not applicable in the indigenous Ghanaian philosophy of art.
Conclusions
Art is a language used and understood by particular cultures in ways peculiar to them. How a
particular society use their artistic codes or language differs. Though art is considered as a
universal language, there are peculiarities. This is justified by the fact that what constitute art is
influenced by time, place, culture and history.
There is no collective word for the word ‘art’ in the Ghanaian context. Art is expressed as ‘design’
and vice versa. No difference between ‘art’ and ‘craft’. Art is design. Design is art. Provided the
art or craft meets the purpose for which it was done, it considered as GOOD. The Akan say ‘What
is good is beautiful.’ To the Ghanaian, art is a way of life manifested through creative expressions
that solves the problems of the society.
The determinants for definitions for Ghanaian art has not got so much to do with its superficial
presentation. It has everything to do with inherent beauty that manifests in their functionalities
and or cultural representation. To the Ghanaian, art has no material limitations, tool limitations
or skill limitations. One’s abilities in art are measured by their ability to solve the immediate
creative problems around them and art must be produced when it is needed, because artefacts
are mostly functional. Therefore, art is created for the community (and sometimes by the
community), making the art creation process fluid, diverse, eclectic, and to a very large extent,
democratic. The beauty of an artefact is measured by its successful functions in the society. It is
art, if it is culturally and philosophically functional, and it is f culturally and philosophically
functional, if it is art.
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Considering the dichotomies between Western and non-Western approaches to art in terms of
philosophical thoughts, artistic conceptual orientation and cultural exegesis or nuances is crucial
in forming perceptions about the arts of a people. It is through having the right perceptual
thoughts about the art of a people that better global art education full of beneficial exchanges
could be fostered.
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