Wala people
Encyclopedia
The Wala live in Upper West Region
of Ghana
.
Wala's vibrant costumes are made in Ghana by a local tailor. The type of costume identifies the tribe of a person or group and what region in Ghana they are from. The dance costumes are designed by the group to suit the dance. The raffia skirt is a traditional fetish (juju) costume for traditional dances. Scarves add colour and design to the costumes, and are usually worn by women for special occasions. Some costumes are made from Kente cloth which is woven in bright, narrow strips with complex patterns. It is usually made from cotton and is always woven outdoors, exclusively by men. The Ewé also weave kente cloth, and their more geometrical patterns contain symbolic designs handed down through the ages. Kente cloth is only worn in the southern half of the country and - as distinct from other forms of traditional weaving - is reserved mainly for joyous occasions.
Upper West Region
The Upper West Region of Ghana is located in the northwestern corner of the country and is bordered by Burkina Faso to the north. The capital and largest city is Wa. Other towns include Nandom, Daffiema, Jirapa, Kaleo, Nadowli, Lawra and Tumu....
of Ghana
Ghana
Ghana , officially the Republic of Ghana, is a country located in West Africa. It is bordered by Côte d'Ivoire to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, Togo to the east, and the Gulf of Guinea to the south...
.
Wala's vibrant costumes are made in Ghana by a local tailor. The type of costume identifies the tribe of a person or group and what region in Ghana they are from. The dance costumes are designed by the group to suit the dance. The raffia skirt is a traditional fetish (juju) costume for traditional dances. Scarves add colour and design to the costumes, and are usually worn by women for special occasions. Some costumes are made from Kente cloth which is woven in bright, narrow strips with complex patterns. It is usually made from cotton and is always woven outdoors, exclusively by men. The Ewé also weave kente cloth, and their more geometrical patterns contain symbolic designs handed down through the ages. Kente cloth is only worn in the southern half of the country and - as distinct from other forms of traditional weaving - is reserved mainly for joyous occasions.