Symbols, Colours, and Narratives: Basketry Ornamenting Motifs of the Gurene People of Ghana

Abstract

The Gurene people of the Upper East Region of Ghana, are reputed for producing a plethora of irresistible basketry articles, which are used locally or sold to generate income. A good number of these basketry objects are mostly ornamented with colourful motifs of different sizes, shapes, and orientations. Though a limited number of studies have been carried out on the basketry articles, the basketry motifs have not received much attention. This study therefore, investigates the repertory of basketry motifs and their symbolism in the Gurene socio-cultural system. The study, which used an ethnographic design, collected information from 85 respondents, who were sampled using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Data was collected from the informants using observations, interview guides and focus group discussions. The transcribed data were thematically analysed with the help of NVivo 9 data management and analysis programme. The study unearthed 12 variety of symbolic and representational motifs. These motifs are named after celestial bodies, animals, animal parts, farming practices, farm products, as well as natural and artificial objects. The research established that the motifs, generally, derived their meanings from Gurene oral traditions, cosmology, narratives, moral values, philosophical constructs, proverbs, and heroic achievements.