Explore the arenas of history and culture at the National Museum of Ghana’s gallery on a fascinating trip. This gallery, located in the centre of Ghana’s capital, Accra, is a museum of the rich and diversified fabric of Ghana’s legacy.
Join us as we explore the captivating world of relics that tell the stories of past eras. Step into the museum and be greeted by the symbolic elegance of the “Anansententan” (the spiderweb), signifying the tales of the spider and an intrinsic representation of how diverse we are yet united.
The stone tools on display provide evidence of the cultural practices, technological innovations, and societal structures of ancient populations. Archaeological sites in Ghana’s Northern, Bono East, Bono, and Greater Accra regions have been significant in revealing these stone tools and expanding our understanding of the country’s ancient past. Through the study of stone tools and other archaeological artefacts, ongoing research continues to improve our understanding of Ghana’s past civilizations.
At the helm of trading in ancient Ghana was Begho, the trade town that played a pivotal role in the trans-Sahara trade between West Africa and North Africa, having gold, kola nuts, and iron.
Terracotta figurines in Ghana date back between the 6th and 14th centuries, showcasing the skilled craftsmanship of the people who shaped them. From useful items to complex sculptures, these clay creations tell stories of daily life, spirituality, and artistic expression.
Trade beads have a long history in Ghana, extending back to pre-colonial times when they were used as currency and exchanged for products, services, and even slaves. In the hands of traders and adorned by kings, cowry shells and manilas personify a history of prosperity and divinity. Once used as currency and symbols of wealth, these shells and bracelets are embedded in Ghana’s cultural memory as they were used as currency during the transatlantic slave trade.
Deliberately processed from the back of the Kyenkyen tree and delicately woven into cloth are the bark cloth and Kente textiles, respectively. They communicate significant messages of knowledge, morals, and cultural identity. Each fabric represents a brushstroke on the canvas of Ghana’s history, portraying stories of courage, solidarity, and endurance.
The Iron Age in Ghana, as in many parts of Africa, marked a significant technological advancement with the introduction of iron tools and implements. Iron tools revolutionised agriculture, hunting, and other aspects of daily life.
Ghana, with its rich history, has been home to a number of kingdoms and chieftaincies such as Dagbon, Gonja, and Ashanti that have played important roles in creating the region’s cultural, social, and political landscape. Like any other museum, the National Museum of Ghana tries to represent all ethnic groups in the country, and this account of the recent change in the kingdom exhibits everything from the Akan and Northern chieftaincy to the Ga-Adandge chieftaincy.
Rites of passage in Ghana are deeply rooted in cultural and traditional practices, marking significant transitions in an individual’s life. These rites are often observed within various ethnic groups, each having its own unique ceremonies and rituals. Be enlightened about initiations, often involving ceremonies, teachings, and symbolic acts, conducted to prepare young individuals, especially girls, for adulthood. This may include lessons on cultural values, responsibilities, and gender roles.
Explore the achievements and challenges we faced in becoming the nation of Ghana. From the 20th-century movements for independence leading to political parties and Ghana’s independence in 1957 to post-independence, Ghana’s challenges of nation-building and economic development.
Source: By Yolanda Parker