Colour Symbolism in Traditional Medicine and Healing Practices of the Dagomba Ethnic Group of Ghana

Abstract

Traditional healing contributes tremendously to the healthcare desires of natives of traditional settings across the globe, especially with rural people in developing and underdevelop countries Even though traditional healing is common and of great benefit to every society, there is little research on it among the Dagomba, in Ghana, especially colour symbolism in the healing practices. This study’s purpose was to explore colour symbolism in traditional healing of the Dagomba. The study fits into cultural anthropology and thus uses observation and interview as data collection instruments, by spending time with a Dagomba traditional healer for one month. The findings were analysed qualitatively and organised thematically, showing that green, red, black and white are the prominent colours used in traditional medicine and healing of the Dagomba people. We recommend further studies of colour symbolism in other cultures of Ghana.