About
Metal bands such as Iron Maiden and Slayer’s artistry is steeped in macabre cultural imagery, there is no similar visual in West African cultural imagery. Being brought up through a mixture of these cultures these pieces look to illustrate the seminal cultural themes and moments in an alternative style. In the same way metal reflected the mood of the disenfranchised youths on the margins of society. These pieces add the third culture experience to that symbolism.
Bonsam
Named after Nana Kwaku Bonsam “Bonsam” translates literally as “Devil”, a well known Ghanaian witch doctor, a mediator between the spirits and the living. This recalls the traditions of imbibing snake venom for visions, and Adinkra symbols of religion.
Yaa Asantewaa
The Famed warrior queen of the Ashanti people who lead the war against British occupation. Independence from colonial rule was realized in 1957. Ghana was the first West African nation to achieve this. The mix of graves displaying the diversity of religion still found in Ghana.
Elmina
A city in Ghana well known for its Castle, a key point in the Atlantic slave trade. The mask a representation of broken culture. The black star eye from the Ghanaian flag, a symbol of African emancipation and unity against colonialism, the glow the hopes of those stolen.
