Abstract:
In Ghana the clothing of kings is one of its artistic cultural expressions. The
clothing items of traditional rulers and their narratives are collective memories of
various kingdoms which can be interpreted in ways that will make them
conducive in attracting tourists. The study investigated the symbolism in the
clothing of three kings in Ghana and assessed it's potential for use in tourism. The
Asantehene, the Awoamefia of the Anlos, and the Nayiri of Mamprugu were
purposively selected to represent the southern, middle and northern areas of
Ghana as well as three different ethnic groups. Through in-depth interviews and
focus group discussions, key informants provided the needed data. The results
indicated that the kings used clothing mainly for spiritual protection and to
portray their power, status in society and also to portray their hi story and
environment. The clothing articles of symbolism include head wears, clothes,
sword, staff, foot wear, and jewellery. The materials used in making the clothing
of the three kings consist of metals, leather, fabrics, flora, fauna, and clays with
the type and variety used being influenced mainly by the location of the kingdom.
In terms of management, the regal ia of the Asantehene, is acquired and managed
by the state while for the Awoamefia and the Nayiri only the installation items are
acquired by their clansmen. For the tourism industry, some of stories behind the
clothing could be enacted during festivals. Museums could display the clothes
and their symbolism. The stories attached to the clothes could also be made into
documentaries for teaching and entertainment. It is recommended that the
symbolism of clothing of various traditional rulers in Ghana be documented as
knowledge for education.
