Bonded Sawdust as a Substitute Material for Carving

Abstract

Wood carving as an art has from time immemorial been used to promote, preserve and invigorate Ghanaian culture. However, the stock of some of the preferred tree species used for carving is declining at an alarming rate. The need to ensure the sustainability of the wood carving industry therefore motivated the researchers to find a solution to this problem. The researchers experimented with a recyclable material that could be used for carving instead of the conventional wood. The research experimented with White glue and Sawdust to build blocks which served as carving materials in place of conventional wood. The purpose of the study was to research into the viability of sawdust as a carving material. This research was determined to come up with a substitute material for wood carving, and was specifically concerned with a comprehensive investigation into the viability of sawdust. The study investigated, experimented and taught students how to produce boards from the sawdust blocks. The research discuses, describes and analyses into detail the experiments conducted. The research uses qualitative research and further makes use of quasi-experimental, action and descriptive research designs. The results of the study suggest that ‘‘sawdust block'' can be carved. The study also revealed that even though sawdust blocks could be carved, its finishing cannot be compared to conventional wood. The study recommends that the use of sawdust as an alternative carving material should be introduced and taught in all sculpture departments in Senior High Schools and tertiary institutions.