In Ghanaian culture, totems and clan symbols serve as powerful markers of identity, belonging, and ancestral lineage. From the Akan tribe in southern Ghana to the Mole-Dagbani in the north, clans in Ghana and their symbols guide family life, social roles, and moral conduct in both rural villages and urban centers.
Let’s take a closer look at clans in Ghana, the meaning of their symbols and their role in modern society.
What Are Totems and Clan Symbols?
Among Ghana’s indigenous communities, totems and clan symbols are essential in maintaining social harmony, defining family structures, and passing down cultural values. These symbols reflect a community’s origin, beliefs, and responsibilities, and continue to influence the way people live, marry, and relate to one another in contemporary Ghana.
A totem is usually a natural object, animal, or plant that is considered sacred or emblematic of a clan or family. It is believed to be the spiritual ancestor or protector of that group.
A clan symbol, on the other hand, can be a totemic animal or any unique mark that represents the historical, spiritual, or cultural identity of a family lineage. These symbols are passed down through generations and are closely tied to family histories, oral traditions, and taboos.
In many Ghanaian societies, clans are larger family groups that descend from a common ancestor. Each clan is associated with a specific symbol, and each member of the clan is expected to know and respect this symbol.
Passed down through generations, these icons shape oral histories, taboos, and rites of passage.
Akan Clans and Their Totems
Among the Akan people—the largest ethnic group in Ghana—clans are called abusua. There are traditionally eight major abusua: Agona, Asene, Aduana, Bretuo, Ekuona, Asakyiri, Asona, and Oyoko. Each clan is symbolized by a totem, usually an animal, and these totems play a crucial role in clan identity and behavior. Here are a few examples:
Aduana Clan: Their totem is the dog and fire. They are believed to have descended from the sky with fire and a dog, symbolizing loyalty, vigilance, and spiritual origin.
Bretuo Clan: Represented by the leopard, a symbol of bravery, strength, and leadership. Clan members are expected to be courageous and never show cowardice.
Oyoko Clan: Their totem is the falcon or hawk, associated with vision, strategy, and governance. The Oyoko clan is historically linked to the royal families of the Ashanti kingdom.
Ekuona Clan: Their totem is the buffalo, representing strength and endurance.
Clan members are expected never to harm, kill, or eat their totem animal, as it is considered an offense to the ancestral spirits. Violating these taboos could bring misfortune or spiritual punishment.
Totems Among Other Ethnic Groups
Totemic systems are not exclusive to the Akan. Other ethnic groups in Ghana also have clan and totemic structures. Among the Dagombas, clans are connected to historical roles, such as drumming, blacksmithing, or hunting. Certain animals or tools may be revered as symbolic of these ancestral roles.
The Ewe people also associate families and communities with particular animals or natural elements, sometimes tied to local deities or spirits (tɔgbuiwo).
Among the Ga-Adangbe, while the totemic system is less formalized, families still observe taboos and symbols associated with their lineage, often tied to spiritual protection or ancestry.
Functions of Totems and Clan Symbols
Spiritual Connection and Protection
Totems serve as a reminder of the spiritual origin of a clan. Many people believe their totemic animal offers protection and guidance, both physically and spiritually.
Social Structure and Marriage Regulations
In Akan culture, for instance, one cannot marry someone from the same abusua. This is to avoid incest and to promote social cohesion between different clans. Totems help in identifying one’s clan and ensuring proper marital boundaries are respected.
Moral and Ethical Guidance
The traits associated with each totem (bravery, loyalty, wisdom, etc.) are used to shape character and values among clan members. Elders often remind younger generations to live in accordance with the virtues of their totem.
Conflict Resolution and Storytelling
Clan symbols play a role in oral traditions. Stories about how clans acquired their totems or how they lived in harmony with nature are used to teach lessons and resolve disputes.
Cultural Preservation
In modern Ghana, where Western education and globalization have diluted some traditional practices, totems and clan symbols continue to serve as anchors to cultural heritage. They appear in festivals, art, family emblems, and even in political or chieftaincy titles.
Taboo and Respect
A significant part of totemic culture is the taboo system. For example, someone from the Aduana clan should not kill or eat dogs. Similarly, a member of the Bretuo clan must never harm a leopard, even if encountered in the wild. This creates a respectful relationship between people and nature, fostering a sense of responsibility toward wildlife and the environment.
These taboos are supported by the belief that ancestors monitor the actions of the living and will reward or punish accordingly. It also cultivates a sense of unity within the clan, as everyone shares the same spiritual obligations.
Modern Relevance
Though Ghana has become increasingly modernized and urbanized, the importance of totems and clan symbols has not completely faded. They still hold ceremonial and legal weight, especially in matters of chieftaincy, inheritance, land ownership, and family identity. In rural areas and even among urban dwellers, naming ceremonies, marriages, and funerals often begin with libation and references to clan totems.
Young people are also becoming more curious about their roots. As genealogy and heritage studies grow in popularity, many Ghanaians are turning back to clan symbols to reconnect with their ancestry and cultural identity.
