The symbolic significance of motifs on selected Asante religious temples

Abstract

Asante temples are small edifices built over 100 or 200 years ago to house the shrines of some of the deities of the Asante. They are adorned with beautiful motifs which are a body of knowledge about the culture of the Asante, yet not much scholarly work has been done on these motifs on the temples. As a result, a lot of Ghanaians do not know much about the motifs on the traditional temples. This research therefore presents a brief history of selected Asante temples and the symbolic significance of their motifs. The research revealed that the motifs are a storehouse of information regarding the religious beliefs and social norms of the Asante. They enlighten us about symbolism in Asante art and serve as decorations on the temples. The symbols represent concepts and beliefs personified in human and animal forms and geometric shapes. They as well echo some philosophies and wise sayings of the Asante.

Keywords

• Asante
• motifs
• indigenous
• symbolic
• temples