From punishment to purpose: Meet the Ghanaian artisan turning school cane into décor

Cane, a symbol of discipline for many Ghanaians who experienced its use in classrooms and headmaster's offices, has been given a new purpose by Accra-based artisan, Doreen Demuyakor. Since 2023, Demuyakor has been transforming this rigid material into abstract wall hangings, decorative mirrors, and bespoke interior décor pieces that have captured the attention of design enthusiasts across the city.

She explains that she chose cane for its expressive potential and its ability to give a fresh meaning to something that once caused trauma for students and children.

Demuyakor's craft journey was not planned. As someone who is naturally dexterous and enjoys creating things with her hands, she found inspiration in woodworkers on social media. The turning point came from a casual conversation with her former boss, who challenged her to become a carpenter after she expressed her desire to pursue a career in carpentry.

He encouraged her to try creating a mirror using cane, a material she had never used before. Demuyakor's former boss was impressed with her creation, which led to more requests and six months of apprenticeship under a cane craft master.

Demuyakor's unique style is characterized by her improvisational approach. She often does not sketch her designs or plan every curve before starting a piece. Instead, she allows the canes to guide her, making adjustments and corrections as she works. This method creates flowing, organic pieces that transform the rigid material into something soft and expressive. Despite its painful history, Demuyakor's work demonstrates how creativity can turn even the most painful memories into something beautiful.