ABSTRACT
Though many hues are today found in use among the Akan, there remain three primary groupings of color commonly identified with symbolic or ritual usage. Defined in broad inclusive categories they include white (fufu) and various shades of red or russet (kokoo or kobene) or dark tones (tuntum). Each cluster of colors embodies associations that reflect spiritual and cultural values and symbolic references that are shared by the larger Akan population and contextually defined to circumstance and ritual appearance. Cloths (ntoma) of different colors are often the most visible element during ceremonies and their color will reflect the event and define an individual’s participation in the ceremony.
