National Museum

Instructions for Tour Conduct

• Attendees are prohibited from using phones for video or photo capture during the tour.

• Sound recordings are permitted.

• At the end of the tour, there will be a two-minute session allowed for exploration and photos of Jubilee House.

Architectural Design of Jubilee House

• Designed in the shape of a stool.

• The stool symbolizes power and authority in Uganda.

Symbolic Animals: Crocodiles

• Refers to two conjoined crocodiles sharing a stomach, illustrating conflicts and misunderstandings.

• Emphasizes the need for unity despite differences among people.

• Echoes the Akan proverb emphasizing "unity in diversity".

Traditional Storage Objects in Bama

• Objects made of brass used for storing valuable items.

• Kuduo:

  • Designated for kings to store gold and gold dust.

  • Custom to bury kuduo with the king upon death.

• Mini chat box: Smaller containers for gold dust storage.

• Forua:

  • Used by women for cosmetics, cooking oils, shea butter, and jewelry.

• Gold Weights:

  • Used to balance the weight of gold, establishing value for fair trade.

Talisma (Leather Charms)

• Used to store spiritual stones and herbs for protection.

• Koranic scriptures are written, wrapped in paper, and stored within the leather for spiritual defense against weaponry.

Clan Totems and Characteristics

• Distinct clans represented by animals, with each clan member reflecting characteristics of their designated animal:

  • Ojana (Dog): Loyalty.

  • Aguna (Parrot): Eloquence and managerial skills.

  • Asuma (Crow): Courage and aggression.

  • Buffado: Honesty and adherence to order.

  • Adrenals (Catfish): Thoughtfulness.

  • Abrazu (Lion): Ambition and excellence.

  • Seven clans identified from the Fanti people of Ghana.

Roles in Ghanaian Society

• Warlord/Military Commander: Responsible for military strategies and protection of people and the king.

• Queen Mother: Represents purity by wearing white; conducts ceremonial functions and wears protective herbs around the neck for spiritual safeguarding.

Inheritance Practices

• Ghanaian inheritance follows a paternal system;

• Clans alternate kingship, ensuring no clan occupies the throne more than once consecutively.

Pre-Monetary Currencies of Ghana

• Maneles, Bangles, Curry Shells: Utilized from the 15th to 20th century as forms of currency.

• Ghana City Naming: The name “Ghana” derives from the local term for “curry shells.”

Significance of Beads in Ghanaian Culture

• Beads used for aesthetics in ceremonies such as naming and marriage, are selected based on color symbolism:

  • Colorful beads for joyous ceremonies.

  • Dark beads for funerals.

  • Used for gauging child growth by adjusting bead tightness as they grow.

Historical Significance of Monuments

• Monuments built by Arab traders during the Trans-Saharan trade.

• Serve both religious and commercial purposes; remnants still present today include:

  • Abanga Mocks

  • Urianga Mocks

Funerary Figurines

• Molded from clay, fired, and hardened—represent servants.

• Burying figurines with kings symbolizes the belief in afterlife continuation of service.

• Transition from live servant burials to figurines during late 19th to early 20th century.

Bushya Krew (Clan Pot)

• Used to cut soul ties with the deceased, incorporates personal belongings (nails, hair) during burial.

Cultural Lessons from the Spider

• Represents foundational values for Ghanaian culture including kindness, respect, accountability, humility, and unity.

• Spider’s web symbolizes connection among diverse tribes while promoting shared goals for nation-building.

• Reflects the vision of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah for African unity and cooperation.

Conclusion of the Tour

• Emphasizes unity in diversity; invites further exploration within Ghana National Museum.

• Suggests requesting audio recordings from other departments for comprehensive learning experiences post-tour.

• Thankful for participation and wishes visitors an enjoyable day.