Authors

Laura Cochrane

Publication Date

Fall 1996

Abstract

In this work, I examined the traditions of the woodcarving trade and the process by which the traditional form of the stool is carved in an apprenticeship position in Aburi, Ghana. I found that in spite of the historical continuity of the way the stool is created, many of the other traditions of the trade have been either modified or eradicated as a result of societal changes in religion, education, social institutions, and the functions of the forms themselves. There are other more subtle causes, which impact the carving, trade and need further study which the time frame of this research period did not allow me to examine. However, one issue raised, dealing with social institutions, is the impact the lifestyle of a woman carver has on her work: the attitudes concerning women's roles in Aburi are under constant metamorphosis and need further research.

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