The exploration of near-extinct indigenous Ghanaian cultural symbols for interior decoration

The culture and artistic heritage of Ghana have been endorsed by the rich influence of Akan symbols like <i>Adinkra</i>, the <i>akuaba</i> doll, and others from various ethnic groups. However, the integration of ethnically unique near-extinct symbols into an art piece to highlight the cultural diversity of Ghana for wall hanging is rare. This work brings to life indigenous Ghanaian symbols on the verge of extinction from four ethnic groups, namely, the <i>Akan</i>, <i>Ewe</i>, <i>Ga-Adangbe</i>, and <i>Mole-Dagbani</i> to design a wall hanging for interior decoration, especially for public spaces by adopting Cora Marshal’s aesthetico research to generate a “Quali-Aesthetico” model. The design aesthetically ingrained conceptual aboriginal art and near-extinct indigenous Ghanaian symbols from the four ethnic groups as inspiration. The creative integration of these symbols yielded an interesting art piece that provides a unique ambiance for a simulated interior-decorated airport and an art gallery suitably displayed on flat interior surfaces. Besides the artistic expression of the art piece, interpretations of the uniquely combined symbols and their philosophical meanings have been provided to educate the public about the rich Ghanaian cultural heritage. The art piece also seeks to preserve near-extinct identity symbols and create a sense of belonging for the younger generation.

加纳的文化与艺术遗产，得益于阿坎（Akan）符号体系中阿丁克拉（Adinkra）、阿库阿巴（akuaba）娃娃等诸多族群符号的深厚浸润。然而，将濒临灭绝的族群特色符号整合进艺术作品，以彰显加纳文化多样性并用于挂墙装饰的案例实属罕见。本研究借助科拉·马歇尔（Cora Marshal）的美学研究框架，构建"Quali-Aesthetico"模型，将阿坎（Akan）、埃维（Ewe）、加-丹格贝（Ga-Adangbe）、莫莱-达格巴尼（Mole-Dagbani）四大族群中濒临消失的本土加纳符号活化，设计出适用于室内装饰、尤其公共空间的挂墙艺术品。该设计以四大族群的原生本土艺术及濒临灭绝的加纳本土符号为灵感，将创作理念与美学表达深度融合。通过创造性整合这些符号，最终产出了极具辨识度的艺术作品，可为模拟装修的机场及美术馆空间营造独特氛围，适配于平整的室内墙面展示。除该艺术作品的艺术表达外，本研究还对组合后的独特符号及其哲学内涵进行了解读，以此向公众普及加纳底蕴深厚的文化遗产。该艺术作品同时致力于保护濒临灭绝的身份符号，并为年轻一代构建文化归属感。