WOOD CARVING IN THE AKUAPEM HILLS OF GHANA: PROSPECTS, CHALLENGES AND THE WAY FORWARD (Published)
In Ghana, traditional wood carving has been an ancient industry. The wood carving industry in the Akuapim Hill has provided employment for a large number of people in the design and production of different forms of carved objects and articles such as stool regalia, drums, human figures, animal forms and entertainment objects. Like any other industry in Ghana, the wood carving industry in the Akuapim Hill has its own prospects and challenges. Key among the challenges of the Woodcarving industry in the Akuapim Hill include the difficulty in the acquisition of wood due to the ban on tree felling by the Government of Ghana, the high cost of available wood due to the activities of commercial timber loggers and chainsaw operator. The lack of financial support for the woodcarving industry as well as the over reliance on outmoded tools, equipment and techniques in the production of artifacts. The research was a qualitative one with the descriptive research method being the main methodology employed. Data were gathered using interviews and observation. At the end of the study and with the introduction of certain intervention of researchers to the carvers in the Akuapem Hill, it came out that the adoption of improved wood treatment techniques such as the use of the Neem tree leaves for wood processing and the use of the additive technique of carving greatly boost the outcome the works produced by the artisan in the Akuapem Hills.
Keywords: : Carving, Animism, Assembling, Blocking, Lamination, Seasoning