This paper looks into the effects of gestures used in Adowa and Kete Traditional Dances in Ghana in line with their meaning. The motive behind this investigation was to give the youth excellent platform to appreciate the gestures in Kete and Adowa ensembles, as a way of promoting their cultural identity. Data collected for this investigation was analyzed by using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. There were two major sources for the data collection; primary and secondary. Kumasi cultural center was visited during one of Ad[[ K[se[ festival and some pictures were taken on Kete and Adowa performances. Some pictures were also searched from the internet to serve as the secondary data for the project. These pictures were used during interview with the respondents. Some literature were reviewed on Kete and Adowa dances as well. The data were then transcribed and relevant portions were analyzed. The Visual Semiotic theory was used as theoretical framework. This theory deals with the interpretations of signs. Per the analysis it was identified that, the sixty one and above years aged group were the only group of people who understood these gestures. Though the youth and the middle age group can describe the gestures alright, appreciate its aesthetic nature but don’t understand the meaning.
Keywords: Adowa, Aesthetics, Gestures, Kete, Semiotic, interpretations
