The Influence of European Elements on Asante Adinkra

The Adinkra tradition in Ashanti has seen some form of transformation due to the influx of some European elements. These impacts are greatly seen in the tools and materials, production techniques, concept of design of the Adinkra cloth. Some of these influences are positive while others are negatively affecting the production of this indigenous cloth. There is the need to research into these European influences to ascertain the extent to which the Adinkra cloth has benefited or have been adversely affected by them. The research was thus carried out to critically examine these European influences to be able to offer advice on what aspects of the European elements need to be discontinued and the aspects to be promoted. The researcher gathered the primary data for the research paper through personal interviews, administration of questionnaires, as well as observations. The secondary data was accrued through a thorough review of peer reviewed articles on the subject, published and unpublished research works, textbooks etc. The results of the study have been presented under the following headings Analysis of the research instruments, main findings (primary and secondary data), Interpreting the data, answering of research questions, conclusions and recommendations. This included investigating and examining the extent to which the Asante Adinkra have been impacted by these European elements, the positive impacts and how they have ensured the improvement of the Asante adinkra production industry and the negative impacts and how they have adversely affected the Asante textile industry have been succinctly discussed. The study revealed the beneficiary aspects of the impacts and discusses how they can be harnessed for the development of the adinkra industry in Ashanti. However, the study also highlighted and cautioned strongly, the negative aspects of the European influences that if not curtailed would downplay the quality and erode the adinkra cloth of its cultural significance.