Symbolic significance of textile products in rites of passage among Dangme’s in Ghana

Abstract

Rites of passage are patterns of behaviours and customs performed by various ethnic groups during major life transitions. During such rites various art forms including textile products are used. Designs, patterns and colours within these textile products have diverse cultural and symbolic elements embedded in them which promote the culture of the society. The study explored the symbolic significance of textile products used by the Dangmes during rites of passage. The research design employed was the qualitative descriptive case study. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used in gathering data. A traditional leader, youth chief, elderly indigenes, youth and a textile educator form the sample for the study. The study adopted semi-structured interviews, non-participant observation and illustrations as data collection instruments. The study revealed that textile products used during rites of passage distinctly communicate great values and ideas to people in society. The study concludes that no matter the designs, patterns and colours of textile products, they have symbolic connotations which turn to communicate largely to the people. It therefore recommends that local textile products used among ethnic groups should be upheld in high esteem in order to maintain the cultural heritage for generations to come.