Significance of animal symbolism among the Akans of Akyem Abuakwa traditional area,

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Date
July, 2009
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Abstract
This research seeks to discuss the significance of Animal symbolism among the Akans of Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area; touching on the background history of the people, their culture, aspects of their culture within which these symbols can be located, their philosophical, educational and the socio-cultural significance. These symbols have so many lessons and wisdom to be learnt, yet the people are ignorant about them. This problem can be linked to urbanization and the influence of foreign culture, in addition to over dependence on oral history, for so long a time without proper documentation. The researcher therefore seeks to identify and categorise the various aspects of culture within which these animal symbols can be found, discuss them and explain in detail codified meaning, socio-cultural and philosophical meanings inherent in them. Descriptive research method, coupled with questionnaire and interview guide were the research tools used to find information, while related literature were also reviewed. The next item is presentation and discussion of findings. The research revealed that, there are a lot of symbolic animal forms within some aspects of the culture of the Akans of Akyem Abuakwa which have a lot of lessons to teach the people yet most of these animal forms have not received considerable attention. People are ignorant about them. It was also observed that, lack of detailed study on these animal forms has resulted in the lack of knowledge on the teaching and learning of it. People are not willing to learn these symbolic animal forms from the elders who are the custodians of these animal forms. Recommendations are made to that effect.
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A Thesis submitted to the School of Graduate Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in Art Education
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