The symbolism of traditions in Ghana

Traditional cultures are a combination of past and present practices of a certain group of people, who adopts beliefs into everyday life. This has connection with our ancestors and is associated with tribes in African countries, to maintain the same values of religious practices and ritual for thousands of years. Traditional practices have conflicts with modern practices, as something deemed acceptable to traditionalist are frown upon by modern people. As a result, there are constant battles between the older and younger generation. Traditional people are thought to have narrow mind set to modern people and find it difficult to adjust to the modern world and are often challenged to think otherwise.

Traditional practices are similar to traditional dresses that varies from countries to tribes. In this case the traditional dress of Ghana is Kente cloth, which some are handwoven or printed. The design of the cloth is a repeated geometric pattern in vibrant colours that is used for special occasions. When I was a child, my mother would take me to the tailors and have my measurements taken to produce custom-made outfits. This included gold jewellery to mark a special day in my life, and I would be very excited as will be exhibiting the wealth of my mum through attire. The neighbourhood would gather around me with fascination ­of the design of the attire.

Some clothes designs have adinkra symbols originated from West Africa of Cote d’ Ivoire and Ghana and its part of the Ashanti tribe. These symbols are used within the design of cloths, artwork, metal work and pottery. The definition of ‘adinkra’ is goodbye or farewell in local dialect of Twi, spoken by the Ashanti people. The cloths with adinkra motifs are hand woven by the local people in Ghana which is expensive, and the cheaper printed cloths are made from wax and it is manufactured in the Netherlands.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adinkra symbols relates back to the historical events and beliefs of the Ashanti people. All the symbols have their definitions, and when the cloth is worn with certain symbols on it, communicates a story. Adinkra symbols is used to produce vibrant cloths designs that conveys the bold, fun and expressive culture of Ghana.

The symbols came about when Cote d’ Ivoire and Ghana became advanced in weaving cloths in the sixth century. The adinkra was created by the Gyaaman people of the Brong Ahafo region in Ghana, for the royals and traditional spiritual leaders. Spiritual leader would be fetish priest who preform juju which is voodoo. There was a military fight when the Gyaaman attempted to capture ­­­the Ashanti golden stool, and Gyaaman was murdered. The robe Gyaaman worn was captured by Nana Osei Bonsu- panyin (elder) the Asante king as a prize, and provided learning experience of adinkra ink used within printing process and the stamping of designs on cloth.

As a Ghanaian, the one symbols that I communicated with heavily is the “gye nyame” symbol which means expect God. This is because, I was bought up in a Pentecostal Christian home, was told to leave my traditional beliefs and focus on God. So, when things get difficult, I look at the symbol and gives me hope that there will be better days.

In my opinion, I believe that the symbols encourage the integrity of the Ghanaian people, because it shows us how far we have come as a country, that was once ruled by the British. These symbols shows that with a little faith and action, once a slave will become a land owner.

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References:

Websites:

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Boddy-Evans, Alistair. (unknown /22nd January 2020) The origin and meaning of adinkra symbols. Available at: https://www.thoughtco.com/origin-and-meaning-of-adinkra-symbols-4058700(Accessed: 13th April 2021).

unknown (no date) what are traditional cultures(with examples). Available at:https://www.lifepersona.com/what-are-traditional-cultures-with-examples  (Accessed: 13th Aprl 2021).

unknown (no date) Traditional attire of Ghana. Bright African patterns with deep meaning form great authentic garments. Available at: http://nationalclothing.org/africa/64-ghana/143-traditional-attire-of-ghana-bright-african-patterns-with-deep-meaning-form-great-authentic-garments.html (Accessed: 13th April 2021).

The images in blog entry

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