Conceptual Exploration of the Rites of Passage With The Kumasi Central Market

Abstract

As a concept, the Rites of Passage –a phrase which was coined by the French anthropologist and folklorist Arnold van Gennep, is represented with paintings to depict the stages of life from the time of birth to death. This write-up, conceptually represents the behavioural tendencies at each stage of life with scenes captured from the Kumasi Central Market at the four major periods of the day which are morning, afternoon, evening and night. The captured scenes were selected based on the effect of light on the particular scene, specifically, the brightness of the hues, and its capability of portraying the specific period of the day. To achieve the exact optical effect, the selected scenes were photographically painted on canvasses. Descriptions were made of the scenes and were finally analysed. Thus Observatory, Participatory, Descriptive and Analytical methodologies were utilized to observe and capture snapshots of the scenes from the Kumasi Central Market, then painted the scenes, described them and finally analysed them respectively. The analyses resulted in conceptually portraying the Rites of Passage theory with the paintings. The statement or morals is that in nature, everything passes through the four stages of life and eventually dies. It is therefore concluded that nothing is permanent in life as it goes through several challenges and changes before finally deteriorating and dying or annihilating.

Keywords: Conceptual, Exploration, Rites of passage, Kumasi Central Market.

DOI: 10.7176/JCSD/66-03

Publication date:August 31^st 2021