Objectives
- To offer practical and scientific experience to craftsmen, curators and local players in order to improve their skills and prepare them for other similar actions;
- Preserve the temples
- Restore lost skills in bas-reliefs;
- Promote the sites and set up a system for regular funding of maintenance;
- Prepare a preliminary “management plan”.
Traditional Ashanti architecture bears witness to the prosperity of this kingdom from the 15th century onwards. It is characterized by richly decorated patio buildings with steeply pitched thatched roofs.
Following the wars and influences of the colonial period, this architecture was gradually abandoned, and only a few traditional temples remained. As the latter were threatened with extinction, notably under pressure from new religions, the Government of Ghana classified them and proposed their inclusion on the World Heritage List, which was done in 1980.
From the beginning of the 20th century, thatched roofs were replaced by low-pitched tin roofs, which no longer protected the walls or decorations. The 1980s saw the disappearance of the know-how needed to restore them. Unsuccessful restoration attempts (double thatched roofs, cement renderings, etc.) only accelerated the deterioration of these buildings scattered throughout the villages surrounding Kumasi.From the beginning of the 20th century, thatched roofs were replaced by low-pitched tin roofs, which no longer protected the walls or decorations. The 1980s saw the disappearance of the know-how needed to restore them. Unsuccessful restoration attempts (double thatched roofs, cement renderings, etc.) only accelerated the deterioration of these buildings scattered throughout the villages surrounding Kumasi.
The safeguarding strategy developed with technical support from CRAterre-ENSAG involved 4 main stages.
- The first step was to place all the structures at minimal risk of deterioration;
- In the second stage, one of the buildings was selected for restoration work and initial attempts to restore the decorations;
- On this basis, and on the basis of testimonies, a long series of trials enabled the gradual re-learning of forgotten gestures, and an agent from the Museums of Ghana was trained;
- In a fourth phase, a management and promotion component was developed, with the aim of improving the site's own revenues, which are essential for regular upkeep. Better collaboration between the national cultural institution (GMMB) and local associations and authorities was also established.
Results
- The entire GMMB team in Kumasi was trained in conservation, restoration and management techniques on several sites;
- Training of a GMMB team member in bas-relief restoration (±100 hours of practice);
- Over 3 years, ±60 craftsmen and villagers have been trained on conservation projects;
- Numerous preservation works, conservation on all temples and complete restoration of one temple (Besease);
- Restoration of deteriorated bas-reliefs on 6 temples;
- Permanent exhibition in restored Besease temple;
- Improved road signs;
- Creation of a travelling exhibition with the Alliance Française de Kumasi;
- Creation, distribution and sale of : 1 leaflet, 2 posters, 2 T-shirts and 6 postcards;
- Numerous press articles, radio broadcasts and television programs on the Asante temples;
- Publication of a 36-page bilingual (French-English) booklet on the architecture of the Asante temples;
- Proposals for a management plan;
- Creation of a fund which, through the sale of postcards and books, aims to generate the necessary budget for upkeep.
Partners
Ghana Museums and Monuments Board, Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB), AFRICA 2009, UNESCO – Centre du Patrimoine Mondial, Université de Kumasi, Ambassade de France à Accra, Elf, CFAO, Novotel, Latex foam.
