Batik (Ghana)
Batik wall hanging, 'Faa Naa Yoo - Woman from the Lakeside'
A warm sky accompanies Aunty Ama when she goes for water; she will also ask for a blessing from the lake god. Her house may be equipped with water pipes, yet she's mindful of tradition. She carries her baby on her back and a clay pot on her head.
Batik wall hanging, 'Heading For Shore'
Sunset turns the sea to crimson as three men wade through the shallows toward shore. Fishing is their livelihood and their boat carries the legend "Sea Never Dry." Working in batik, K. Baka creates a colorful image of life in Ghana.
Batik wall hanging, 'African Drum'
Featureless and universal, a man pounds intricate rhythms on a colorful drum. Music and dance are important elements in West African culture, and talking drums carry messages. K. Baka depicts the drummer in a beautiful batik wall hanging.
Batik wall hanging, 'Priestess'
In Africa, ritual pots are used at the shrine for sacrifice during festivals or when there is a calamity in the town. The priest or priestess puts herbs, eggs and a little water into the pot and raises it to the skies to provoke any evil spirit disturbing the town.
Batik wall hanging, 'The King's Mask'
West Africa has a rich tradition of masks, embodied in a wall hanging by K. Baka. Each has its meaning � protection, strength, peace, joy and love, for example. This beautiful batik depicts a horned mask, signifying bravery. It corresponds to a king.
Batik wall hanging, 'Holiday Scene'
The mandates of tradition clearly stipulate there shall be no fishing on a Tuesday. Fishermen rest while their boats are aligned on the shore. Should someone set out to fish on that day, the wrath of the gods will befall him.
Batik wall hanging, 'King Agokoli'
Intricately textured, an African mask appears in batik. Edward Adeniran works in white and black to depict a mask used during the reign of King Agokoli of Togo in the sixteenth century.
Batik wall hanging, 'Aklowa by Night'
The moon's silver glow illuminates the village of Aburi, where K. Baka was born. Renowned for its spectacular view of Accra, this aklowa (meaning "village" in the Ga language) is surrounded by exotic and medicinal plants.
Batik wall hanging, 'Festac Mask'
A mask to honor ancestors, this is largely known as "Festac, " to commemorate the Festival of Arts and Crafts. A yearly event that began in Nigeria, the festival showcases African artistry. K.
Batik wall hanging, 'Seeking Peace'
Clinging to his mother, a child seeks comfort. She herself seeks a place of peace. Alexander Nyankson presents a powerful wall hanging that protests war. Bordering the bright batik, weapons are crossed over with an "X" in a plea for a better world.