Aesthetics, appreciation and criticism among Ewe kente weavers; its implication for art education

Abstract

The Kete cloth is a product that is exclusive to Ghana, being fully hand woven and highly symbolic. This weaving tradition has gained popularity in renowned communities situated in the Volta, and other parts of the country. Kete as it is known among the Ewes in the Volta region has a unique ability to evoke powerful emotions and symbolizes some of the fundamental human ideas ever imagined in Africa, within Ghana. This research seeks to discover the concepts of aesthetics, appreciation and criticism among the Ewe Kete weavers hence its implications for Art Education. Both quantitative and qualitative research designs were used for the study; relevant data for the study were collected using interviews, observation and questionnaire from customers of Kete, art specialists, students, opinion leaders, and weavers from the weaving communities in the Volta region. Data were collected, described, interpreted, and analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Product and Service Solutions) conclusions drawn and recommendations made for implementation. The outcome of the study revealed that, there are basically two varieties of Ewe Kete cloth which are Ʋusε and aɖaŋuvͻ; the weavers have their own criteria of aesthetics, appreciation and criticism; and these are areas of study in Art Education. Unfortunately, these somehow are neglected in the teaching of art programmes in schools as a result of the influence of western culture on Ghanaians and students alike. As a result of this, a gap has been created and in order not to produce educational misfits in the Ghanaian societies; education of the people must be centered on the culture and the needs of the people receiving it.