What Do PM Modi's Gifts to Ghanaian Leaders Represent?

Accra, July 3 (NationPress) During his two-day visit to Ghana, which concluded on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi bestowed a range of remarkable gifts, including stunning sculptures from India, intricate handicrafts, and other exquisite items to the nation's President, his wife, the Vice-President, and the Speaker of Parliament.

Among the gifts was a magnificent Bidri artwork vase presented to President John Dramani Mahama. This exceptional pair of Bidriware vases from Karnataka's Bidar exemplifies India's esteemed metal craftsmanship, distinguished by its striking black finish and intricate silver inlay.

Expertly handcrafted by skilled artisans utilizing a traditional technique that spans centuries, these vases are fashioned from a zinc-copper alloy, adorned with floral motifs symbolizing beauty and prosperity. The final touch is achieved through a unique oxidation process, giving them their iconic appearance. These vases harmoniously blend traditional artistry with contemporary design, making them elegant gifts for weddings, anniversaries, festivals, or corporate celebrations. They transcend mere decoration, embodying Karnataka's rich craft heritage and timeless artistry.

For the President's spouse, Lordina Mahama, PM Modi gifted a stunning silver filigree purse. This elegant accessory from Cuttack, Odisha, represents the region's celebrated Tarakasi craft, known for its intricate silver filigree perfected over the last 500 years.

Handcrafted with precision by skilled artisans, the purse showcases delicate floral and vine motifs created from fine silver wires, merging an airy lightness with durability and elegance. Traditionally associated with jewelry, Cuttack's filigree has now transitioned to modern accessories like this purse, embodying the fusion of heritage and contemporary style.

This gift symbolizes grace, cultural pride, and artisanal mastery, making it a cherished keepsake of Odisha’s rich craft tradition.

Additionally, PM Modi presented a luxurious Kashmiri Pashmina shawl to Ghana's Vice-President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang. Sourced from the fine undercoat of the Changthangi goat in Kashmir, this shawl epitomizes timeless artistry and elegance. Renowned for its unmatched softness, warmth, and lightness, it features intricate hand-embroidered floral and paisley motifs characteristic of Kashmiri heritage.

Creating each shawl entails meticulous hand-spinning, weaving, and embroidery by skilled artisans, often requiring weeks or even months to finalize. A genuine Pashmina is celebrated globally, serving as both a functional winter accessory and a testament to India's rich textile legacy, making it a meaningful and sophisticated offering.

Moreover, PM Modi gifted a miniature Ambawari elephant to Ghana's Speaker, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin. Handcrafted in West Bengal, this exquisite piece symbolizes royal tradition and India’s deep-rooted artistic heritage. Inspired by ceremonial processions where elephants carried nobility in ornate howdahs, this piece is crafted from polished synthetic ivory—an ethical, durable alternative to natural ivory.

Every intricate detail, from floral motifs to the grand canopy, is precisely carved by skilled artisans. Housed in a protective display box, it serves as both an elegant decorative item and a meaningful gift that celebrates India's regal history, fine craftsmanship, and timeless cultural legacy.