Seeing The Sacred: Myth, Materiality, And Narratives Of Indigenous Asante Shrine Murals

Asante shrine murals, though often perceived as mere decorations, hold deep spiritual and cultural significance for the Asante people of Ghana. These murals serve didactic, aesthetic, and ritualistic purposes, documenting traditional practices, philosophies, and maintaining a connection to ancestral heritage. A study employing qualitative phenomenology and narratological approaches revealed that these murals encapsulate the spiritual essence and philosophical underpinnings of Asante culture, reinforced through symbols and proverbs. The research, conducted across six Indigenous Asante communities, highlights the urgent need to preserve and integrate endangered traditional symbols into modern architectural designs to safeguard cultural identity amid rapid urbanization and colonization. This preservation is crucial as many of these heritage sites are at risk of losing both their physical form and cultural essence.

Jectey-Nyarko, M., Opoku-Bonsu, K., Quarshie, B., & Annor Anim, F. (2025). Seeing The Sacred: Myth, Materiality, And Narratives Of Indigenous Asante Shrine Murals. Journal Sampurasun : Interdisciplinary Studies for Cultural Heritage, 11(2), 97–114. https://doi.org/10.23969/sampurasun.v11i2.24736