The Use of Indigenous Arts in the Therapeutic Practices Of Traditional Priests and Priestesses of Asante, Ghana

Abstract

Ill health is a phenomenon that every society be it complex or simple entrusts to its health professionals to find solutions using its cultural practices, beliefs and available technology. It is an undeniable fact that Art has been used in several ways and for several purposes to benefit human societies. One of such benefits is its usage in therapeutic practices. The use of indigenous arts in the life and profession of traditional therapists of Asante, Ghana has been in existence for so many years since arts play a key role in Asante culture. This publication therefore aims at finding the symbolic significance of Asante's indigenous arts in the therapeutic practices of traditional therapists of Asante of Ghana, and subsequent projection of this unique cultural heritage. Descriptive research method based on the qualitative design approach was employed. It was discovered that explanations of the causes of ill health given by the traditional therapists of Asante, Ghana in traditional therapy are usually based on what the society has developed and appears to it as a reasonable concept in explaining its therapy and the causes of ill health.. It is recommended that the health services in Ghana need much more of a team approach with greater co-operation between the hospitals and public health services, as well as joint planning with the agriculture and nutrition services, town planning and local government authorities. It is on this team that the traditional therapist might find a place.