Using Indigenous Symbols to Enhance the Aesthetic Look of Ceramic Facial Tiles

The use of facial slice as a facing finish in the Ghanaian building industry is burgeoning and only a few industries are into the production of the facial slices. The tiles found on the market are imported, which inadvertently increases the prices of the slice, thus making it difficult for the ordinary Ghanaian to purchase the product. The study, therefore, aims at incorporating indigenous designs on the plain surfaces of facial slices made, by using our local raw material clay, to enhance and cause an aesthetic sensation in the eyes of viewers, at the same time promoting, and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Ghana. The studio research method was used in carrying out a number of experiments, to ascertain the suitability of materials for the preparation of the slices. A physical test was conducted on clay body samples to establish their suitability and effectiveness using four procedures, which included the analysis of clay, generation of designs, mould preparation and decoration of slices. The clay was analyzed to obtain a clay body with its inherent properties, which were good for the production of facial tiles such as for Adinkra and dumedzadzrado symbols which, were modified into abstract designs for the decoration of the slices. A mould prepared with plaster of Paris (P.O.P.) was made for embossing the final design on the slices while a wooden stamp was also prepared to make imprints onto slice surfaces. The stamped and embossed techniques were for decoration of the slices. Results indicated that, Mfensi clay (75%) with manganese (25%) emerged the best clay body, suitable for the production facial slices based on the dry and fired shrinkage as well as water absorption test. The study revealed that, slices found on the open market, which are usually plain, can be decorated with modified indigenous designs to enhance their aesthetic look and that locally-available materials are better in the production of facial slices and their decoration with traditional motifs could enhance the aesthetic of the slices and promote cultural growth.