WOOD CARVING

In our environment we are surrounded by trees. Trees are sacred expressions of the Creator. Trees are living organic creatures which possess great strength and beauty. Wood is obtained from trees which is an essential raw material used for carving. We depend on trees for wood which in turn provides us with warmth, shelter and fuel.

Since ancient times in Ghana, trees have been known to be the dwelling place of supernatural spirits and powers. In the past, before a tree is felled, special purification rites were performed. The carver had to pay some amount of money and a bottle of schnapps. These items were given to family heads or owners of the land for purification rites to be performed. Also, when a carver acquired a new set of tools, special rites had to be performed to pacify the tools and to solicit good and cordial relations as well as support from the deities. Strong alcoholic drinks (schnapps) were poured on the ground and special prayers were offered. This had to be done before the carver could proceed to use the tools.

There are several species of trees in Ghana. In my quest to learn more about trees used for carving, i travelled to Aburi in the Eastern Region where wood carvers can be found in nearby villages. Types of wood used in carving include ''Sese'' which can be found in Oda, Suhum, Asamankese and Konkonuru. There is '' Ebony'' which can be found in Ho and Gyasikan all in the Volta Region of Ghana. ''Cider'' which can be found in Asamankese, Obuadaka and some villages in Aburi. Others such as ''Ofuntum'' can be found in Asamankese and ''Mahogany'' can be found in Aburi. ''Tweneboa'' is a sacred tree which means 'drum tree' can also be found in Asamankese, Suhum Nfranta and Asesieso.  Other types of wood include Afromosia, Odum ''iroko'', Cedrela and Sinuro.

Inset:Tweneboa

Inset: Osese

First and foremost to obtain wood, the carver may decide to fell the tree himself and cut it into logs. The carver may also choose to purchase wood. The cost of wood starts from GHC50.00 and  above depending on the type of wood. The logs are cut into sizes of 6 inches and above depending on what the carver intends to use it for. The logs are kept in a vehicle and transported to the work area. The carver may decide to commence work on the fresh wood immediately or at his convenience. The logs are split with an ax and the design the carver wishes to achieve is sketched on the wood with a pencil. Tools used by the carver includes flat chisel, V-gouge and U- gouge.

Once the object is carved, it is placed outside to dry. Drying may take up to a week or more depending on the weight of the wood and the weather conditions. As soon as the object dries, sand paper is used to smoothen rough surfaces and edges. Once the object has the desired smoothness, the carver may decide to maintain the natural colour of the wood by applying neutral polish on the object. However , if the carver wishes to colour the object he prepares a mixture of potassiumpermanganate and water and applies it to the object. Also dyes of various colours can be used to colour the object.  Once the colouring is completed, sand paper is used to smoothen the object again. Finally, wax polish, lacquer or shoe polish may be applied on the object to give it shine and lustre.

Inset:Figurine with rough surfaces

Inset: Figurine with smooth surface