The concept of totemism in relation to conservation of certain species of animals in Jirapa municipality

Abstract

The study examines the concept of totemism in Dagaaba clans in the Jirapa Municipality in the Upper West Region. Dagaare is a Mabia spoken language in Ghana. The research was conducted in four communities around Jirapa and its environment. The target communities were Sigri, Ullo, Sabuli and Jirapa Township. The researcher used purposive sampling technique to elicit the data. The instruments used to collect the data were unstructured interview and participatory observation. The ages of those interviewed were between fifty to sixty years old. The researcher used descriptive technique to analyze the data. In my work, I have also touched on how these animals are protected from being harmed. Dagaaba attach some seriousness to their totems because of the vital role they play to their entire clans. Though Dagaaba perceive totems to be their relatives, religious believers have a contrasting view. To them, they are satanic and this belief has affected the concept of totemism in the Municipality. To conclude, no clan exists without a totem in the various communities I visited.