Symbolism of Clothing as an Element of Cultural Tourism: A Study of Three Selected Ghanaian Kings

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.