Therapeutic Potencies of Indigenous Ghanaian Art Forms: A Case of Krobo Beads

Abstract

In spite of the fact that several attempts have been made to study visual aspect of arts and though some attempts have been made to document visual aspect of arts use for therapeutic purposes, much attention has not been drawn to the study and documentation of the potencies of indigenous Ghanaian visual art forms. The quest for change in attitude towards assessing health care without any side effect in traditional and orthodox ways needed much to be desired. This study provides artful way of restoration without any side effect to battle aftermath. It assessed the efficacy of Krobos' beads used for curative purposes. The study provides information on the traditional means of using beads for restoration among Krobos' and further reviews the current trend of art therapy in other to provide road map for merging them for effective implementation and accessibility. A case study design was employed and findings indicated that, the potencies of Krobos' beads are manifested in psychological, physical, emotional and mythical means. It is therefore recommended that, in writing of art text books and other art materials, the inclusion of Ghana's artistic therapeutic potencies need to be included to enrich our repertoire of art historic knowledge.