Open Access
American Research Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences
ISSN (Online): 2378-7031
DOI: 10.46568/arjhss
The Iconography and Iconology of Adinkra Symbols: An Authentic Source of Themes for Teaching Drama in Education at the University of Ghana
Abstract
Ghanaians have identifiable symbols that are of great esteem and significance to them. The global world today is arguably
threatening the survival of these symbols and the values they hold. Adinkra symbols are generally known in some circles
of the Ghanaian society, however, a section of the population, thus the youth, seem unfamiliar with their knowledge and
values. Symbols are representatives of objects, places, human beings, animals and events. These symbols are emblems that
have been adopted in the past as tools for communication, information and education. Adinkra symbols are no exception
in defining and identifying one’s background and cultural identity. The design of adinkrahene symbol for instance is
embedded with philosophical underpinnings reflecting religion, socio-cultural and artistic domains, which demonstrate
an understanding of its meaning, worth considering as themes. The religious, social, and artistic symbols communicate
quite extensively, intrinsic and extrinsic elements of culture and traditional values This paper sought to identify and
discuss Adinkra symbols, their meanings and significance and project their aesthetic and educational purposes as methods
of observation, analysis, synthesis and interpretations as authentic sources for themes in teaching Drama in Education.