Traditional mourning dress of the akans of Ghana

Abstract

A diachronic/synchronic study was conducted to identify the typical traditional mourning dress of Akans of Ghana and their symbolic meanings. Nine old men and women were interviewed for primary data. Sources of secondary data were books, students' research reports, journals, and information from the internet. The findings revealed that typical Akan mourning dress included kuntunkuni, kobene, brisi, adinkra, koogyan, nkrawo abotire, a yellow or red loincloth, necklaces of seeds, tiny snail shells, hide, ayisaado, wreaths of leaves, straw bands, native or rubber sandals, and black and red body painting. The nature of death, age, character, and status of the deceased or the bereaved and physical and mental characteristics of the deceased prior to death determined what to wear at funerals. Conclusions drawn were that mourning dress was used to honour the dead, control the behaviour of the living, and direct support to the right people. � African Cultures and Literatures: A Miscellany.