Bobbo Ahiagble: Master Weaver from West Africa

Gilbert ‘Bobbo’ Ahiagble, of the Ewe people of West Africa, is coming to share his art and culture with Otago! Bobbo has been weaving colourful Ewe Kente cloth ever since his feet could reach the loom treadles. As well as heading up a family weaving business, Bobbo now has his own weaving school in the small fishing village of Denu, Ghana, and has become internationally known as an ambassador of Ewe Kente.

This vibrant cloth is woven from bright threads into long strips and stitched together into cloth. For Bobbo’s family, and many others, weaving Ewe Kente it has been a part of daily life for hundreds of years. Known by some as ‘talking cloth’, its patterns and inlays tell stories of Ewe culture and history.

Don’t miss your chance to meet Bobbo as he adds an extra dimension to West Africa: Rhythm + Spirit, with workshops, talks, and live demos.

Living Culture: Ewe Kente Weaving in Action
Meet Master Weaver Bobbo Ahiagble of the Ewe people of West Africa. Weaving 'live' in the West Africa: Rhythm and Spirit exhibition, Bobbo will share his skills with Museum visitors, creating vibrant new works of Ewe Kente cloth before your eyes.
DAILY from Tuesday 6 – Sunday 11 October, Wednesday 14 – Friday 16 October,
Sunday 18 October and Wednesday 21 – Friday 23 October
All demonstrations are between 12.30pm – 3.30pm
Special Exhibitions Gallery, Otago Museum, free!

Workshop: Kente Cloth for Kids
Weaving colourful Kente cloth is a fast-paced pastime for many Ewe children living in West Africa. Have a go yourself and learn to create woven cloth in this hands-on workshop with visiting Master Weaver Bobbo Ahiagble.
Saturday 17 October, 10am – 12pm and Sunday 25 October, 1pm – 3pm
Atrium Level 1, Otago Museum
Tickets $10
Limited places – tickets available from the Information Desk, ph 4747474

Workshop: Ewe Kente Weaving
Kente cloth weaving has long been a part of daily life for the Ewe people of West Africa. From brightly coloured threads, long strips are woven together, then stitched into larger pieces of cloth. With visiting Master Weaver Bobbo Ahiagble, who has his own Ewe Kente weaving school in the village of Denu, Ghana, learn the basics of Ewe Kente weaving. No weaving experience required!
Saturday 17 October, 2pm – 5pm and Saturday 24 October, 1pm – 4pm
Atrium Level 1
Tickets $20
Limited places – tickets available from the Information Desk, ph 4747474

An Evening in West Africa
Witness West Africa come to life in this exclusive late night opening of West Africa: Rhythm + Spirit. Direct from Ghana, don’t miss the chance to meet world-renowned Master Weaver Bobbo Ahiagble as he share the secrets and traditions of Ewe Kente weaving. Join Joel Vanderberg, whose collection features in the exhibition, as he recounts his experiences of West Africa and its vibrant culture in an exhibition floor talk. Plus enjoy African music and live performance in experience not to be missed!
Thursday 15 October, 7pm
Special Exhibitions Gallery and Barclay Theatre, Otago Museum
Food and refreshments provided
Tickets $10 per person – available from the Information Desk, ph 474 7474

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