The Religio-Political Functions of Akwamumanhene's Royal Regalia and Its Symbolic Interactionism

Abstract

The use ofartifacts in chieftaincy has been with humans from the time of old. The regalia of any chief is used for purposes such as religious or political. The regalia of a chief plays a role in symbolism as itis used for communication. Hence, the need to study the history behind the royal regalia of Akwamumanhene as well as the philosophy embedded in the regalia to understand its symbolic interactionism. Using the Qualitative research method, the researchers set out to investigate the historical and cultural relevance as well as the religious and political functions of Akwamumanhene's regalia in Akwamu traditions. Some important respondents were consulted in order to interpret and seek further clarifications for some of the responses obtained through the qualitative inquiry methodology. The theory of symbolic interactionism by Blumer was used to comprehendthe various components of Akwamumanhene's royal regalia. It was revealed that materials used for Akwamumanhene's regalia have both spiritual and symbolic significance, hence their religio-political functions.