Traditional Ghana abounds in useful symbols, signs and motifs that encapsulate a lot of Ghanaian philosophies and beliefs, and play important roles in defining a cultural heritage for the traditional Ghanaian. Good examples of these symbols are identifiable in Adinkra symbols of Akans (an ethnic group in Ghana), which express various themes that relate to the history, beliefs and philosophy of the people.
Some of these signs and symbols depict historical events, human behaviour, animal behaviour, attitudes, plant life forms and shapes of objects, many of which have grown to assume recognizable iconographic dimensions. Others carry rich proverbial messages that are traditionally considered as a mark of wisdom. These attributes indeed give credence to the need for the preservation and popularization of traditional symbolism and imagery. In this project (which is one of the many others in progress) therefore, an attempt has been made at repackaging Adinkra and other traditional symbols through animated videos. The aim is to render these age-old symbols more attractive in modern ways through modern technology, to attract the modern Ghanaian youth who has been so used to the technological screen. It is believed that traditional symbols so presented would not only appeal to the youth better, but would position them appropriately in the digital realms, thereby ensuring widespread presentation and better preservation.
published October 2020
