Philosophical interpretations of traditional symbols of Gbi traditional area in the Volta Region of Ghana: Sources of inspiration for textile prints and garment designs

Though the Gbi traditional symbols are lavishly displayed on traditional artefacts such as spokesperson’s staff, traditional stools, and other regalia, a preliminary survey in the area revealed a dearth in the knowledge and understanding of them. Hence, there was a need to fill this research gap by enhancing cultural heritage education on the Gbi traditional symbols using textile and garment production. Ethnography and arts-based research methods under the qualitative research approach guided the conduct of the study. A total of 68 study participants comprising spokespersons, elderly men and women, fashion and textile designers, and youth within the Gbi traditional area. A purposive sampling technique was used in their recruitment for the study. Key informant interviews, focus group discussions, direct observations, and photographic methods were the main data collection tools used for collecting data for the study. Qualitative thematic analysis was used for analyzing the qualitative data garnered. The results of the study revealed the literal and philosophical meanings of twenty Gbi traditional symbols. Further, four of the twenty traditional symbols were developed into textile motifs and used for printing fabrics that were produced into textile garments and other functional products such as armrest, chairbacks, and bedside lamp stands. The study found favourable acceptance among the people, especially the youth, who saw the textile products with the traditional symbols as vehicles for education and promotion of the Gbi traditional cultural heritage. The study concludes that there is a high potential for heightening cultural heritage education among the general populace, especially the youth, when traditional symbols of a people are used for the production of functional products in society. It is recommended that textile and fashion designers in Ghana ensure the use of traditional symbols in contemporary textile and fashion production processes to help in their promotion and their use as a medium for educating the youth, especially about the rich Ghanaian cultural heritage.