Exhibition

The exhibition is made up of a small collection of archaeological materials, gathered as survey finds around Kasana. Provided necessary permissions from Ghana Museums & Monuments Board, the exhibited collections might be enhanced by some of the more remarkable finds discovered during the excavations. The visitor should look forward to see a fine collection of ethnographic items, clearly demonstrating a continuity in material traditions going back to the 18th century and likely beyond. Pottery discovered during the excavations much resembles the local production of today, fine handicrafts of female potters. While pottery traditions - in fact, preferences of vessel shapes and surface treatment - have survived until the present, other items used a generation or two ago have already been replaced by modern prototypes. It was exciting to discover that at the threshold of the 20th century the ancient inhabitants of Kasana were using iron javelins and razor blades, along with quartz knives and stone exes.

But the true treasure of the exhibition is the items inherited by the Kasanas over generations, all with individual and exiting histories. Even a pair of iron shackels used to immobilize slaves is exhibited, along with bracelets, weapons, beads, smoking pipes and so on. Explanatory texts both in English and French follow the exhibited items. 

Opening ceremony of the Kasana Museum

The beginnings. Building of the museum in the “centre” of Kasana, next to the mosque and chiefs compound. The interior of the Museum. It has become a true community building, used for important gatherings and negotiations. The interior of the Museum: It has now become a true community building, used for important gatherings and negotiations. Local chiefs and regional dignitaries gathered for the Opening Ceremony Prof. Klavs Randsborg giving a speech at the Museum Opening.
The core of the organizing group, from left: Hanna Hjetting Nielsen, Andreas Bonde Hansen, Mr. Poul Avieli Duon-Naa, regional director of Ghana Museums & Monuments Board in Wa. Women observing the events from the side-line: Their curiosity is combined with catching a sales opportunity. Trophies from the period of slave raiding assembled for the theatrical dance recreating the dramatic events of the past.    

Virtual exhibition

Bone spatulas, one of the enigmatic objects, whose purpose is not completely understood, likely scrapers of food-remains from stone and especially clay grinders. The Kasanas themselves speculated whether they could be Islamic writing tablets. Clay bead. Ceramic shard with elaborate decoration: used as cover/lid for a cup. European glass beads. Surprisingly, the conditions of preservation appeared to be the least favourable for glass objects.
Iron heads of javelins. Tiny beads collected from the same spot on the floor of a house, which seemed to have been abandoned in a rush. Some of the beads may actually be pink or reddish behind the white patina. In many cases only the white core of otherwise pink or reddish beads is preserved. Ceramic vessel with a typical shape re-used on both large and small vessels. Iron bracelet. Iron knife.
Reconstructed ceramic vessel with spalling, which occurred during firing. Stone axe. Enigmatic items made of tusk, probably of warthog. All three pieces affected by fire and with drilled holes stem from three different objects, possibly related with horse bridle. Black painted clay pipe. Iron hook with fragments of flat and pointed iron objects.