Login | Register

The contribution of traditional schooling to the education of the artist in Sierra Leone

Title:

The contribution of traditional schooling to the education of the artist in Sierra Leone

Coker, Caesar Amandus Malcolm (2001) The contribution of traditional schooling to the education of the artist in Sierra Leone. PhD thesis, Concordia University.

[thumbnail of NQ59234.pdf]
Preview
Text (application/pdf)
NQ59234.pdf
10MB

Abstract

This study focuses on the education and work of indigenous Sierra Leonean visual artists. It examines the traditional artistic training processes, the nature of the artists' work, the place of the artists in their communities and their contributions to our national development. In order to address these four issues, answers to the following questions were sought: In what ways have traditional educational processes contributed to the education of our artists in Sierra Leone? How important is the input of ethnic associations to the process of education? Is the quality of the education offered to trainees compatible with their roles in the community? How or why do some of these traditionally trained artists shift their production emphasis from ritual objects to tourist art? This study also evaluates the development of different educational/training institutions within the context of Sierra Leone's colonial history. It also examines how the changes in the country's educational system have influenced the position and status of indigenous artists and their training processes. The study is based largely on data collected through in-depth interviews conducted with twelve indigenous Sierra Leonean artists, (seven male and five female). Also, it relies on relevant literature on "traditional" African education, as well as secondary literature on education and the training of artists generally. This study suggests that traditional artistic education makes an important contribution to national development. Traditional artistic education clearly contributes to a vibrant social life as well as about 2 Million US Dollars annually to the national economy. Likewise, traditional artistic education helps to shape popular culture and national identity. Findings from this study suggest that the Sierra Leone government should support the development of indigenous artistic training processes, and that use be made of the artists and their work to elevate the national ethos of our country. Most importantly, this research suggests that youths be given the opportunity to participate in traditional art activities. Such involvement will be meaningful and useful to our youth, especially considering the interrelation of art and other subjects in the school curriculum.

Divisions:Concordia University > Faculty of Fine Arts > Art Education
Item Type:Thesis (PhD)
Authors:Coker, Caesar Amandus Malcolm
Pagination:xi, 283 leaves : col. ill. ; 29 cm.
Institution:Concordia University
Degree Name:Ph. D.
Program:Art Education
Date:2001
Thesis Supervisor(s):Pariser, David
Identification Number:NX 589.6 S5C65 2001
ID Code:1327
Deposited By: Concordia University Library
Deposited On:27 Aug 2009 17:18
Last Modified:13 Jul 2020 19:49
Related URLs:
All items in Spectrum are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved. The use of items is governed by Spectrum's terms of access.

Repository Staff Only: item control page

Downloads per month over past year

Research related to the current document (at the CORE website)
- Research related to the current document (at the CORE website)
Back to top Back to top