Documentation of trends in chiefs regalia within Kwahu traditional area from 1950 to 2022

Abstract

The Kwahus are part of the Akan ethinic group with unique culture and traditions. This study explored into the dress codes of the Kwahu traditional chiefs from the 1950 to 2022. It aimed at establishing fashion trends of the royal costumes and the dress codes of the Kwahu chiefs and to document the ethnic sysmbolisms of the royal dress codes of the Kwahus. Study explored the ethnographic approach using the narrative inquiry tools grounded in qualitative research. Data were obtained through archival documents, semi-structured interview and unobstrusive observation guides. Twenty participants from the Kwahu traditional area were purposively sampled for the study. The sample consisted of four chiefs, six eleders from the royal family, four youths and the six elders from the community. The participants were engaged in focused group interviews for the puposes of ensuring validity and reliability of the qualitative data. The research results reveals that the symbolisms of the dress codes of the Kwahu chiefs from 1950 to 2022 has been the same. Also the dress code for the kwahu chiefs were influenced per the occasion, colour and duties attached. It also reveals that dress codes of kwahu chiefs wron currently reflect the historic events that happened in the past as well as depicting power and wealth. Most occasions demanded a prescribed form of regalia to match the events such as installation, confinement and coronation. However, the quality of the regalia in terms of material like cloth, jewelry and other regalia accessories have been refined and well finished over the years due to advancement in textiles and fashion trends. Some of the dress codes used in the past have been abandoned by current chiefs. Whereas the traditional cultural festivals of the Kwahus have been replaced with a popular culture of Easter celebration which resulted in kwahus especially the youth lacking interests in the traditional knowledge (dress code). It is therefore recommended that the Kwahu traditional council takes vital steps to reintroduce traditional festivals to complement the easter celebrations whereas a royal mesuem should be established to help portray and preserve the culture of the Kwahus.