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Thursday, December 15, 2011

Orthopedic training centre Nsawam



Great work!This centre which was established in 1961 to meet the needs of physically challenged Ghanians, has been helping thousands throughout Ghana.
Thanks to Brother Tarcisius who worked hard with selfless determination and deep faith to give hope and assistance.I was so happy to be there and giving Brother a big V ,see how kids are happy and they are dancing!!!

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Check this new book out!!


eShopaAfrica would like to thank Sarah Murray for writing about us and the unique Ga coffins of Ghana in her new book "Making an Exit: From the Magnificent to the Macabre -- How we dignify our dead. Check it out on Amazon!

Thursday, December 1, 2011

The Lost Wax Brass Process

The "lost wax" brass process is an ancient tecnique used for making brass models and sculptures. Amongst the Asante of Ghana this technique was used to mend the bones of ancestors which are considered sacred. It was also used to make the gold ornaments so beloved in West Africa. Nowadays brass is more commonly used... First a detailed model object is made completey out of bees wax. This wax mould is then hardened with ash and prepared for the kiln where recycled brass is melted and replaces the wax - which is "lost". See how it's done below.

Making the wax model

Wax from the African honey bee is used


First it's formed into the rough shape and size needed



Sometimes the wax is pressed into moulds to form the basic shape


After the basic shape has been formed...


Pieces of wax are modelled to make the decorations


Then the decoration can begin


An old syringe is used to make strings of wax



But when you need a lot production can be cranked up using innovative technology!





This is fiddly work - the fine strings of wax are shaped and fused to the base shape - it needs a steady hand and great concentration...



After the strings of wax have been applied they are sculpted - every detail made in wax will be replaced by brass



The finished wax faces - Adinkra symbol "gye nyame" moulds


Beads and hollow brass models are made from fine strings of wax built up over a charcoal mould


All done with these simple tools...


And all part of a day's work for this artisan at his workbench


Building up the wax model into a mould

Pieces of charcoal are pounded...


Into a fine powder


The powder charcoal is mixed with water...


And the wax models are dipped into the mixture


And given a thick coating...


And then left to dry and harden



Channels are left for the brass to pour in and replace the wax



Preparing the moulds for the kiln
The models are dipped again and again to build up the mould cases



As the moulds build up fibrous material is added to the mixture to strengthen it


The Kiln


Crucibles are made that exactly fit over the finished the finished moulds


How it works is that you put the brass in here...


And it fits on top like this


Brass taps and pipes are often used


Along with brass models that didn't work out



The crucibles are all filled with brass and then joined together to the waiting mould



A trench kiln is prepared and the crucibles are put in the kiln and fired. As they get hot the wax melts and the molten brass flows in and takes its place


Cleaning and finishing


After they have baked in the kiln the crucibles are broken open to reveal the finished pieces inside



But it's not over yet... each of the pieces has to be cleaned which is a long job




Everyone in the workshop helps out - even the children


In fact it's a family job... and this is how children start to learn the skill



This man is working on an X rated model.... something for everyone!



And here are the glorious finished pieces - all cleaned and shiny


People come from all over the world to see the skills of these artisans...


And we say good by to the artisans at the "lost wax" brass workshop in Ghana