Isaac Wereko1 | Monalisa Armah2 | Yoni Paa Quecy Howard3 | Peter Wonders Kankam4
School of Communication, Knutsford University College1 | School of Communication | African University College of Communication2,4 | Communication Arts Department, Academic City University College3
Abstract
This study investigated the use of inscriptions on artisanal canoes and their communication implications among three fishing communities in the Central Region of Ghana. It assessed the reasons that inform the choice of inscriptions by the fishers. The study adopted the qualitative research approach and the case study design was used for data collection and analysis. 200 inscriptions (147 texts and 53 pictograms) were purposively gathered from a sample size of one hundred and fifty canoes from the fishers of Apam, Ankaful and Anomabo. Interviews were used to collect data; and data gathered was thematically analysed in line with the research questions. Burke’s theory of identification formed the theoretical framework of the study. The findings of the study showed that fishers use both inscriptions of pictogram and text to decorate their canoes. In situations where fishers do not have conventionalised symbols to suit a particular situation, they tend to create their own pictograms to fit that situation. It was also found that the inscriptions of text out-numbered pictograms. The study also discovered that canoes were not only decorated for embellishment purposes but were symbolic expressions of a wide range of meanings. These findings demonstrate that the decoration of artisanal canoes is all about establishing relationships. It is also true that decorated canoes are messengers of fishers and they “speak” for them. canoes are very important capital equipment for the fisherman in communities along the coasts of Ghana. Owners decorate and identify their canoes with symbols and inscriptions which are meant to communicate. These symbols and inscriptions have some communication implications that are relevant to the cultural heritage of the people of the fishing communities. They embody different forms of representations which in most cases have elaborate meanings underlying them. Studying canoes therefore goes beyond studying the canoes themselves as particular entities, but also all aspects of life which are tightly intertwined with these conceived inscriptions, including religion, economics, social activity, and even politics. These symbols and inscriptions may have some social values and meanings that are relevant to the cultural heritage of the fishing communities. Observers of these inscriptions may perhaps lack an in-depth interpretation and understanding of the inscriptions and designs on the canoes. Meanwhile, these inscriptions may not just be there for only decoration’s sake, they may carry socio-cultural values or information which may be very relevant for the promotion of indigenous culture and public education. Again, a number of studies have been conducted into the study of artisanal canoes in Ghana. Most of these studies were conducted into the area of canoe carving and manufacturing processes. Others too concentrated on the artistic view of canoe designs and inscriptions purely from the artistic perspective. Aggrey (2015) dwelt on artisanal marine fishers’ use of symbols and other nonverbal cues for communicating in their business. This current study therefore sought to investigate the communication implications of Inscriptions and Artforms on Artisanal Marine Canoes of three selected communities in the Central Region of Ghana.
Keywords: Canoe Owners Writings, Fishermen Activities in Ghana, Artisanal Marine Canoes
