Painting it Red

Me with my fellow weaver

Perfect Day=West African craft show + cotton candy!

African knock-offs.....got to love 'em!

Escarpment Time!

African What?!?!

This is probably not the best name for a music video but what do you expect coming out of Nigeria?  This really has to be one of the most ridiculous songs I have ever heard but yet I can’t help but dance to it when I hear it.  I predict that in a few years it will take the place of the Electric Slide and Cupid Shuffle at wedding receptions.

SWOPA

During a weekend vacation we were able to travel to Sirigu, Ghana to paint some crafts and enjoy spending time together.  This area was most intriguing in that most of the houses in these villages were painted red, white and black.  This was especially exciting for me since they were all N.C. State colors!  The area that we stayed was called SWOPA which stand for Sirigu Women Organization for Pottery and Art.  It was founded to improve situation for women in the community.  This way woman can help support their families as well and strengthen their position in the community.

As seen in the pictures below there are many motifs in Sirigu painting.  They are usually abstract geometric stylized animal figures and objects.  The coloring materials are from local minerals.  The black symbolizes power, red is the sign of danger, and white is the sign of purity.  The animal figures usually include cows, python, and crocodiles.  Cows are the symbol of wealth, python represents the clan and the crocodile for protection.  Enjoy the photos below and if you are ever in the Upper East region of Ghana then check out the Sirigu Village!