Utilising intangible cultural heritage to manage the knowledge of indigenous beads making within Krobo communities in Ghana

Abstract

The article is based on a study that investigated how the utilisation of intangible cultural heritage practices of the Krobo in Ghana can enhance the  management and preservation of the beads making indigenous knowledge (IK). Qualitative data was collected using semi-participant observation, semi-structured interview and focus group discussions. The thematic data analysis strategy was used by the study. Data were extracted manually  from the transcripts coded and summarized into various themes. The findings revealed that beads making IK was acquired and shared in the Krobo communities through intangible cultural heritage practices such as pregnancy rite, child naming, puberty rites for adolescent girls, marriage ceremonies, initiation of chiefs and queen mothers, festivals and funeral celebrations. The major challenges affecting beads making IK acquisition  and sharing were disappearance of old designs and cultural practices that would influence IK acquisition and sharing. The recommendations include, the need for the traditional leaders in the area to find novel means of making folklore and cultural practices attractive to entice the youth in the area to participate in these activities which will go a long way to preserve IK in the communities.

Keywords: Indigenous Knowledge, knowledge management, beads making, intangible cultural heritage practices, Krobo, Ghana.