Building a Weaving Center Gallery

The Tindana with Steve and Paul The Tindana (owner of the land), is seen on the left dressed in his ceremonial antelope skin. His contribution of the land was essential in bringing this project to fruition.

Memorializing the donation of land A very sweet-natured 3-way handshake between the Tindana (on the left), Steve (center), and Paul (on the right), to memorialize the donation of the Tindana’s land, on which we built the new weaving center.

Baobab trees are a natural gathering place Without a weaving center, the women weavers congregate daily under massive Baobab trees for protection from the ever-present sun, as well as from rain during the wet season.

Steve giving a speech at the weaving center celebration Steve gives a speech (through a translator) to the crowd of villagers that gathered for the occasion. After months of construction and growing anticipation leading up to the opening of the center, the excitement was tangible and word spread throughout the local villages that a very famous Ghanaian musician (King Ayisoba) was going to perform. Both major TV stations and the national newspaper sent reporters to cover the event. Several regional and national assemblymen joined Steve in giving speeches, followed by a ribbon-cutting. Then King Ayisoba and dancers took center stage, a swirling energy spreading through the crowd to the backbeat of traditional drumming. As the sun slipped away, the celebration grew, encompassing all of the surrounding villages.

The weavers speaking and giving thanks The weavers, who are the very heart and pulse of the Bolgatanga economy and community, gave a speech to show their appreciation for all that African Market Baskets™ has done for them over the years. There was a real need for a central gathering place to weave, in the literal sense, but also a place to weave all of their different daily tasks into one central, convenient location. And after two years of planning and building, we were thrilled to transform the weaving center from dream to reality.

An expression of appreciation In Ghana, song and dance are embedded into daily life, as a means of celebration, a form of camaraderie, and here, an expression of appreciation. Defined by syncopation and imbued with emotion, the women weavers clap and sing, creating a high-spirited and jubilant sound.

King Ayisoba providing music for the ceremony Playing a traditional Ghanaian instrument, here King Ayisoba sounds the opening notes of the musical part of the ceremony. Music is woven into all aspects of life in Ghana, including social functions, and is a manifestation of their vibrant culture.

The official dancer inviting all to join him In the midst of the musical performance, a physically disabled man made his way into the circle and danced to the music. The official dancer, on the left and shown here on his knees, joined him in solidarity, an act of inclusiveness and kindness that is so characteristic of the people in the Upper East Region of Ghana.

Palpable excitement as the weavers dance The local weavers, overflowing with excitement and joy, danced into the night.

Children joining in the dancing As the sky grew darker and the merriment continued on, the children of the local villages joined in the dancing. They had been biding their time throughout the ceremony, but this was their chance to shine!

The party goes late into the night After nightfall, the party continued to gather momentum, with dust rising from the feet of dancing villagers and lively, ecstatic sounds filling the air.

A drum ensemble providing the rhythmic backdrop The traditional drum ensemble took the stage next and the crowd loved hearing the familiar rhythms. Here, the musician on the left is playing a talking drum, one of the most storied instruments in West Africa, and one that is central to Ghanaian folklore.

A celebration to remember The sound of drumming is irresistible, and everyone joined in. What a great way to commemorate the opening of their new weaving center!