Gurunsi ethnic group consists of different sub-groups in northern Ghana and southern Burkina Faso who do not speak the same language but, share similar socio-economic organisation and are known for their fortified houses. Characteristic of Gurunsi architecture are the ornate patterns that adorn the houses.
Painted using local minerals and embellished with rocks and etchings, the mostly abstract designs illustrate all kinds of things – from everyday objects to traditional beliefs.
Info sources: designboom.com and TransAfrica.biz
Images from top: "Cour Royale à Tiébélé” by Rita Willaert is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0; "Cour Royale à Tiébélé” by Rita Willaert is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0; "Cour Royale à Tiébélé” by Rita Willaert is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0; "Cour Royale à Tiébélé” by Rita Willaert is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0. View Rita Willaert’s full Gurunsi photo set on Flickr .
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Related:
- Afritecture: Exploring Africa's Influence on Contemporary Architecture
- Inspired: Khadambi Asalache – and his super intricate hand-carved house!
- Inspired: S.G. Mpata and the Meeting of Art and Architecture
- Inspired: Architecture, Interior Design and Furniture by Ministero del Gusto
- Inspired: The House that its Environment Built
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