Ghana Life: How Elastic Is Loyalty?

People in Ghana identify with their extended family, their clan and their tribe in diminishing order of intensity. There is little shared identity with people of different tribes, and even hostility that occasionally erupts into local wars that have to be suppressed by the national army. At the national level, politics consists essentially of a contest between the Ashanti party and a coalition of opposing tribes forged by the first national leader, Kwame Nkrumah, although in recent years various moves have been taken to try to blur these tribal affinities. Progressive people seeking to forge a truly national identity have been fighting an uphill battle since Ghana was founded in 1957. In his novel, The Colonial Gentleman's Son, John Powell explores how Kwame Mainu, a young man born in the year of independence, seeks to reconcile the progressive aspirations of his father with the traditional expectations of his family, friends and clansmen.

The traditional wisdom has it that the borders of African countries were set by European powers without due regard to the ethnicity of the people, since some tribes find their traditional territory divided by a frontier line while others are corralled with traditional enemies. The German colony of Togoland was populated mainly by people of the Eve tribe but after the First World War it was divided between the French colony of Togo and the Volta Region of the British Colony of the Gold Coast. When the Gold Coast became Ghana, the Eves became reluctant citizens of the new state and during the era of Kwame Nkrumah, in the 1960s, there was a political movement seeking to reunite the Eve tribe in an enlarged Togo. The move was strongly resisted by Nkrumah who couldn't afford to lose a powerful force in his battle with the Ashanti party, but the Eves took their revenge subsequently by being centrally involved in all five of Ghana's military coups.

Against this background of tribal rivalry it was perhaps not surprising that few people respected the national government: its laws, its officials or its property. With loyalty extending only as far as the tribe, central government was regarded by many people as a vestige of colonial rule, serving the needs of those in power with their connections to big business and outside commercial interests. And the material rewards of political power were seen as so great that successive waves of military adventurers made their bids during the first three decades of Ghana's life as a free country. Many people sought to leave the country rather than suffer the increasing hardships, and even those who began each era with genuine revolutionary zeal joined the ranks of the exodus as their dreams were replaced by the next nightmare.

In The Colonial Gentleman's Son, Kwame Mainu succeeds in rising from a poverty-stricken childhood in a small Ashanti town to employment as a technical officer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi. His work is interesting but poorly paid, and he is torn between staying to play a part in Ghana's grassroots industrial development and leaving to seek his fortune overseas. With each downward turn of the economy the urge to leave becomes stronger and he eagerly seizes an opportunity to pursue his education further at a university in the UK.

Kwame soon finds that being overseas does not automatically lead to the easy acquisition of wealth. On leave back in Kumasi he discovers that some of his fellow escapees are building big houses. His wife, Comfort, begins asking why she cannot be similarly accommodated and his mother and sister in Wenchi also have pressing needs, as have many other members of his extended family.

Kwame suspects that much of the money flowing in from overseas is being made from drugs trading but he can see no other route to a fast fortune. Comfort warns him of the risks of becoming an air courier but he is tempted by an offer from a friend to join in selling drugs in the UK. Then, unexpectedly, he is asked by the British customs to help identify the UK coordinator of the Kumasi-based drugs cartel. This work would augment his income by legitimate means but might result in the eventual arrest of some of his fellow tribesmen in the UK and in Ghana. His father would expect him to do the right thing but where do his loyalties lie?

Akwesi Berko
To learn more about the intriguing story of the grassroots industrial revolution in the turbulent Ghana of the second half of the twentieth century, read John Powell's novel The Colonial Gentleman's Son or his non-fictional account The Survival of the Fitter. More details of these books and photographs of the informal sector artisans of Suame Magazine in Kumasi will be found on the following websites.
http://www.ghanabooksjwp.com/
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_28?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=the+colonial+gentleman%27s+son&sprefix=the+colonial+gentleman%27s+son

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The Classical Gold and Jade Figurines of China

Do you know that Oriental figurines are not a new invention at all? Yes, you probably do if you have ever considered the subject. However, most people are not familiar with the fact that the ancient works of the past have laid a firm foundation for the Asian art we enjoy today. So classical art remains a part of our lives right now, even if we don't always recognize it. Our eyes are frequently captivated by the incredible findings which have been dug up at Lintong near Xi'an, the capital city of modern day Shaanxi province in China. It is common knowledge that there is a grand mausoleum with its thousands of guardian terracotta warriors and horses. These very unique figures stand forever as a testimony to the fascinating legacy of the first emperor, Qin Shihuang. These findings have remarkably reshaped our understanding of the origins of the pre-imperial state of Qin. They have also helped us comprehend the rise of Qing culture as well as the political/military reforms which signify Qin history. Its position of prominence during the first millennium BCE served as a foundation for a mighty empire. For this reason, its art has also had a profound and long lasting effect upon much of East Asia... and even beyond!

To study the past is to better understand ourselves and human nature itself. Our connection with the people who lived in the past is actually more intimate than we might wish to believe. After all, humans have always had the same concerns in one form or another. To know the gold and jade figurines of the Qin dynasty is a rewarding tour of delight for this same reason. The first gold figures of the Qin known to the modern collector are a number of thin gold sheets in stylized animal and other numerous geometric shapes. It is thought they are from the ancient tombs of the Dukes of Qin at a cemetary in Mount Dabuzi, Li county, Gansu province. These gold leafs were used to embellish coffins of the dead. Their superior sophistication strongly suggests that the Qin's love of gold probably began at an early date, perhaps much earlier than previously thought. The overwhelming quantity and quality of gold objects is a powerful testimonial to the high standard of technical skill achieved during the Qin era.

Of course, gold was not just used for human ornaments. It was also used for luxury items like reins for horses, chariot decorations, and even belt buckles. One find included a belt buckle in the shape of seven coiled serpents. Another style of buckle was formed like a stylized mandarin duck with its head facing back with the long break serving as the belt hook. The selection of the mandarin duck as a motif could arise from the traditional idea that it is a bird of great wonder and beauty. Later the duck even became a symbol of conjugal fidelity in China. A different (and perhaps somewhat funny) representation discovered is that of a tiger. The tiger is animated by its startled look, glaring eyes, prominent teeth, and big ears. The symbol of the tiger is certainly not a new one, as this piece of evidence establishes. In Asia the tiger is considered to be a very alluring, though dangerous, creature.

The Qin dynasty also inherited a rich legacy of jade carvings. These came from the Shang and Western Zhou dynasties. Qin jade itself demonstrates a uniqueness which is quite distinct. These are in the form of art pieces which come in the shapes of rectangular plaques and circular pendants. The use of gold and silver as well as jade for luxuries became more common with time. New ideas and technologies for fashioning them gradually emerged too. However, early developments and innovations were crucial foundations for the maturity which occurred during Qin Shihuang's era. All of this is reflected in the discoveries from the excavated tomb complex previously mentioned.

It is the thesis of this writer that the contemporary figurines and art work of Asia all owe a debt to the art of the past. The classic has never been eradicated by the modern when it comes to art. Nearly all Asian regions have been deeply influenced at some time or another by the culture which belongs to China. This is why the study of China's art gives any serious Asian collector an indisputable grasp on the market for Oriental collectibles, art, and decor. To know the meaning and relevance of any Asian decor strategy, it is almost impossible to fail to understand something about the history and culture of the Middle Kingdom. The classic is still an intimate part of the contemporary!

Harlan Urwiler is the CEO of HRU Enterprises, Inc. Our mission is to enhance the lives and businesses of our customers with our Asian figurines and vintage collectibles which convey the timeless beauty of the East. Harlan is also an expert author on the subject of Asian history, culture, art, and collectibles. You may feel free to visit our company's website at: http://www.myorientalgallery.com/.

We are always happy to answer any questions you may have about our dynamic business or our vintage, authentic products for the contemporary Asian woman. Our contact information is available via our website. We are looking forward to hearing from you soon. We extend an open invitation to you to take advantage of the huge savings on any purchases of $50 or more!

Best regards,

The Support Team at My Oriental Gallery

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Three of the Main Components of Amish Life

The Amish people live a life that has very specific guidelines. These rules make it clear what being Amish means. Cultural norms are similar from community to community. There are 3 components of Amish Culture. The length of the hair, manner of dress and even the style of the buggies they ride in are clearly defined.

The rules are different in each community and can vary widely. For example, some drive automobiles, while others drive only a horse and buggy. Some are so strict that battery-powered lights are forbidden.

Garments are made at home in simple style. These clothes are supposed to make the people humble and distinguish them from the general population. The solid dark color dresses have long sleeves, full skirts and women also wear a cape and apron.

Hairstyles are either a bun or a braid, covered by a small white cap. Some wear a black bonnet. They wear black stockings and black shoes. They are not allowed to cut their hair. Some orders have such a strict Ordnung that even the length of the dresses they wear is specified. Jewelry is not allowed.

The menfolk wear plain suits that are straight cut, and worn with suspenders. They do not have collars or lapels on the jackets and do not have pockets in the trousers. Sweaters, gloves, ties and belts are not allowed. The clothing of the men and women lack style and color. Not only colors, but patterns are forbidden in the material clothes are made of. No ornamentation, or even zippers are used in the garments.

The family life is of primary importance in the culture. The work done by the parents is gender specific. Families are often large with up to ten children. There is no marriage allowed with non Amish, and there is no divorce. They speak German at home, but, the children speak English in school. Children are taught in a primitive schoolhouse and only through eighth grade.

Humility, lack of vanity and the wife being subservient to the husband is a part of their culture. The man is considered the head of the household, with unquestionable authority. He is required to protect the wife and provide for the family. Religious practices are strictly adhered to and bind the community together.

Technological advances are not acceptable in many, if not most, of the sects. They feel that electricity, cars and even tractors for farming weaken the family. They would not allow television as it would lead to temptation. The more lenient sects do use telephones. However, one phone is usually shared by the entire community. Electricity is used for heating in some communities. It is usually generated by windmills. These things are only allowed if the Ordnung ruling the sect does not forbid them. Slowly, modern technology is filtering in to the more modern Amish communities.

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An Introduction to the Sumerian Civilization

About 6000 years ago, a civilization possessing a technology so advanced at the time that it seemed alien suddenly sprouted in the land between the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers, part of the so-called "Fertile Crescent." The early Greeks were the first to call this area Mesopotamia, which means "land between rivers." These people (we know them today as Sumerians) called themselves sag-giga, the "black-headed people," and they called their lands ki-en-gir. The Akkadians, however, referred to these people as Shumer (which may actually refer to the language); the Bible refers to this region as Shinar. The area is today found in southeastern Iraq.

The events that took place there are considered as among the most crucial events in human history. The Sumerians, in just a short time after settling in Mesopotamia, developed a very sophisticated system of irrigation and agriculture. The irrigation system took full advantage of the waters of the two rivers, which resulted in the significant increase of their agricultural yields. The Sumerians then built magnificent cities, advanced governing laws, and invented a written language.

Where did these people come from? Unfortunately, historians are uncertain on the Sumerians' origin. Some archaeologists maintain that the Sumerians' origin is from lands northeast of Mesopotamia, while others say they are really from Anatolia. Indeed, no one is really quite sure where these people originally came from.

When the Sumerians arrived in Mesopotamia, there were already people living there (the Ubaidians), but they were quickly supplanted by the newcomers. Ancient Sumerians invented the wheel, probably while spinning clay to make potteries on a simple wheel. Eventually, the wheel was used for transport, on carts pulled by donkeys. Later on, it was used for war chariots. They also invented a system of mathematics based on the number 60. We still divide the hour by 60 minutes, and the minutes by 60 seconds. The idea of dividing the circle by 360 degrees is also from them, as well as the division of day into 24 hours, and of the year into twelve months.

Archaeologists found evidence that Sumerians developed writing as early as 3500-3000 BC. The Sumerians' early form of writing was made up of pictures. The pictures were later on simplified, with symbols being used to represent sounds. This style of writing is known today as cuneiform, which is from the Latin word cuneus (wedge).

The Sumerians also seem to have developed one of the first monarchial systems of government. The early Sumerian states, which are the first states in human history, were ruled by a type of priest-king. Their government was actually a combination of monarchy and democracy. Elected officials in the Assembly also ruled the people: kings had to consult the Assembly in matters of state. Laws that were written down during Babylonian times were actually laws created by ancient Sumerians.

The Sumerians had twelve city-states, each with their own ruler, and with their own temple. One city, Ur, contained around 24,000 inhabitants. These city-states were surrounded by walls, which included nearby lands and villages. The central structure of the city is the temple, called ziggurats. Sumerians were polytheistic; that is, they worshipped many gods, including goddesses. Major deities were Enki, who put order to the universe, and Inanna (later known as Ishtar), the "Queen of Heaven."

The society of the Sumerians had three classes: the upper class, which was made up of the nobility, priests, government officials, and warriors; the freemen, made up of merchants, traders, and artisans; and the lower class, made up of serfs and slaves. Women can own property, but they did not have the same rights as the men. A husband can divorce his wife for any reason, but a wife cannot initiate divorce proceedings on her own. However, women played a vital role in these ancient kingdoms. Their society was matriarchal, and women were highly respected. At the start of every year, the goddess Inanna must enact a sacred "ritual marriage" with the ruler to ensure a bountiful harvest for the coming year. The goddess was represented by a priestess in this "marriage" with the king.

Other Sumerian inventions are the sailboat, frying pans, razors, cosmetic sets, pottery, and the plow. Sumerians also created a lunar calendar based on the lunar month and even mapped the stars into constellations, which later became the zodiac. These people also established the first formal schools.

There were many skilled Sumerian artisans. They made well-designed jewelry from gold and precious stones, furniture, and potteries. They also created colorful mosaics in intricate and beautiful patterns using bits of painted clay. Sumerians also used musical instruments like harp, reed pipes, drums, and lyres.

The modern world learned of the existence of Sumer through references in the literature of ancient civilizations; these literature speak of an even older civilization, which turned out to be that of the Sumerians'. Excavations in 1842 to 1854 in various places in Mesopotamia led to the discovery of this remarkable people and their achievements.

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Should An Introduction To Art, Music, And Drama Be A Part Of Every College Student's Education?

The aesthetics of a human being can be nourished by art, music, and drama. Therefore, I strongly endorse that introduction to art, music, and drama must be part of every college student's education. It not only nourishes his/her aesthetic sense but also grants to the student a healthy extracurricular activity. At the same time, the contests and the collaborative projects of art, music, and drama gives a chance to every student to understand their fellows and that will help to study jointly. Hereinafter, every activity in educational system that synchronizes students should be part of the education system.

Nourishment of student's personality is essential element of education system. Every student should come out from educational institution with strong theoretical command on their subjects as well as with a strong personality to compete in the market. Therefore, a healthy activity of art, music, and drama can enhance the interpersonal skills and personality compatibility of a student to compete in the market in an appropriate manner. Hereinafter, the things that have to be considered are the mental upbringing and intelligence induction to the students. And, all the things that have been mentioned in the outline of this treatise clearly fulfills the student's mental abilities. These abilities will counts enough and will help candidate in his/her practical life.

Team compatibility is another aspect in the above mentioned activities in the college student education. It allows the students to synchronize themselves with each other and make them compatible to each other for a joint understanding aptitude. At the same time, the element of enjoyment strongly enhances the compatibility and synchronization concept. Hereinafter, it will be helpful for students in professional field to make themselves compatible and synchronize-able candidate.

At the end, it is better to restate the thesis that is, the aesthetics of a human being can be nourished by art, music, and drama. Now, it should be damn clear that art, music, and drama definitely brightened the mind of students, therefore, it should be a part of education system. Hereinafter, the whole treatise has tint out the good influences of art, music, and drama in the college student education. Now, there should not be any doubt about the addition of the above mentioned extracurricular activities are to enhance the interpersonal skills and team work in the college students to nourish them for coping with the up coming challenges in the professional field.

An expert academic and article writer.

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Drug Abuse And Meth Abuse In The Gay And LGBT Community

Drug use and abuse in the LGBT community is a problem on several different levels. The LGBT community is a community that has experienced a lot of pain and a lot of discrimination. Individually many homosexuals have been subjected to a lot of harassment, a lot of bullying, gay bashing, and other negative behavior.

Drug use is a perceived escape from that pain, but it is only temporary, a dead end. Truthfully speaking, crystal meth and sex are related on this issue. Those two combined can become a lethal cocktail. It can destroy the individual but also the individual's friends and family. Drug use and abuse affects the entire social network.

Why do LGBT members resort to drug use and abuse? There are several reasons, sometimes it can be people just wanting to have some fun and blow off steam. Unfortunately they don't realize that a little fun can lead to a very bad end. Recently with Amy Winehouse's death, we are reminded of the early grave that many young and talented people have gone to so unnecessarily. Even though she was not gay or lesbian, this just serves as an example of what drugs can do.

I hate to sound like Nancy Reagan, but "just don't do it". It sounds cliche, but that's the best course of action.

It's so important to not do drugs at all, especially crystal meth, because it will not take away inner feelings, it will only mask the feelings and temporarily numb the pain. Once the drugs go away, the pain and bad feelings will remain, often coming back with greater severity, which in turn leads to greater drug use.

Be constructive with whatever you do, not destructive. Get some help if you need. Realize that you can't do this on your own. Being destructive means that you're going to let this drug use move from casual to regular use, which then becomes abuse. Being constructive means that you seek out professionals that can help you with this before it becomes permanently destructive.

There are support groups for meth, drug, and alcohol addicts. From AA to other various organizations, the help is there. If you feel that you are being drawn to drug use to cope with your life, then please reach out today.

Additionally churches have pastors and clergy who are familiar with these types of things. Talking with a pastor of a church may bring some type of benefit and offer direction towards a path of recovery.

Remember that you're not alone, and there are people who can help. You're not the first person who's dealt with this monster and you won't be the last.

Visit a friendly LGBT Church in Los Angeles. The Good Shepherd Church in Pasadena offers support and assistance to the LGBT community. More than a gay church in Los Angeles - it's a church for everyone.

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The March to the Sea

After Union Major General William T. Sherman captured Atlanta on September 2, 1864, he briefly pursued General John B. Hood's Confederate army through northwest Georgia. Sherman then turned his army south toward Georgia's largest city... Savannah. His now legendary "March to the Sea" ripped the heart out of the Confederacy, demoralized civilians, destroyed railroads, and denied Confederate authorities considerable food and other badly needed supplies.

Sherman's army totaled 62,000 of his best soldiers, including 5,000 cavalry and 65 pieces of artillery. He estimated to reach Savannah would require six weeks, yet Sherman ordered only enough food for 20 days, to be carried by 2,500 wagons. Sherman's plan was a dangerous gamble, because his army was cut off from any communication or chance for re-supply. So his troops foraged "liberally," living mostly off the food they took from civilians. The worst foragers were labeled "bummers," often stealing or destroying property indiscriminately.

Leaving Atlanta on November 15 and 16, 1864, the army split into two "wings" of between 28,000 and 29,000 each, with cavalry guarding their flanks. Marching along generally parallel routes, the two wings were often separated by between 20 and 40 miles. Separation avoided congestion, thus the army advanced quickly, and was allowed a larger area from which to forage. Separation also resulted in a broader swath of devastation across the center of Georgia, measuring up to 60 miles wide, and 300 miles long. Thousands of slaves followed, which the army discouraged, knowing they could neither feed them nor guarantee their safety.

Sherman's two wings confused the Confederates. Major General Oliver O. Howard's "Right Wing" advanced south to threaten Macon. Meanwhile, Major General Henry W. Slocum's "Left Wing" feigned toward Augusta. Confederates split their paltry forces between the two cities, but Sherman ignored both. He concentrated much of his army around Milledgeville, Georgia's capital city, then swept on toward Millen and Savannah, besieging the latter on December 10. After ten days the 10,000-man Confederate garrison, under Lieutenant General William J. Hardee, evacuated the vital seaport. Sherman wired President Abraham Lincoln afterwards saying, "I beg to present to you the City of Savannah" as a Christmas present.

Cavalry clashed frequently along the edges of Sherman's march routes, and two sizable infantry battles occurred. On November 22, 1864, Georgia militia, untrained boys and old men, were slaughtered attacking Federal lines at Griswoldville near Macon. And on December 13, Sherman's veterans overran Fort McAllister along the Ogeechee River, enabling the U.S. Navy to re-supply his army.

Sherman accomplished all his goals for his March to the Sea in only five weeks, inflicting one billion dollars worth of damages. "I can make Georgia howl," Sherman had sworn, and he did.

By Steven W. Longcrier

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