Educational and aesthetic values of “Tsiamitiwo” (spokesman’s/linguist staffs) from Abutia traditional area
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Date
2005-11-08
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Abstract
The study seeks to have a glance at the historical background of the people of Abutia, the beliefs as well as the origin and symbolism of their Tsiamitiwo. A section also visits the meaning of the symbols and their importance to the chiefs, Tsiamiwo, Abutiawo as well as Ghanaians.
The focus of this essay is also to instill in both the younger and older generation an aspect of the Ghanaian culture and for that matter that of Abutiawo. It aims also to uncover and serve as reference material to teachers, students and all Ghanaians so as to enhance the teaching and learning processes.
The researcher restricted himself to the use of the staffs by the chiefs in Abutia Traditional Area with special reference to Teti, Agove and Kloe respectively.
The research design used in the study was the qualitative method. It involves the description, recording, analysis, and interpretation of conditions that exist.
The data collecting instruments the researcher used in this study were questionnaire. interview and observation to solicit the knowledge of respondents.
Some major findings were that:
The younger generations are not prepared/interested to learn some of these things from the elderly and knowledgeable ones in their communities.
The traditionalists have the information but were chiefly transmitted orally from generation to generation and have not been documented for the younger generations to learn.
Almost all the Tsiamitiwo were collapsible and joined/fitted together with a simple tenon and mortise joint some of which are screwed.
Almost all the staffs were made of wood and decorated/covered with representational/geometric shapes.
Some of the recommendations made were that: Other researchers or writers should research more into the other ethnic groups of Ghana than the Akans.
The people of Abutia should do away with superstitions and reveal/release relevant information for the promotion of the Ewe culture where the need arises.
Again, seminars, symposia workshops and photographic exhibitions should be organized periodically (especially festive times) to acquaint artists and the general public of most recent research findings. Besides film/video documentation could be properly utilized in both training of Art educationists and teaching in the institutions of learning.
Description
A thesis submitted to the College of Arts and Social Sciences in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts, 2005