Dress Codes as Constructs of Male Masculinities in Northern Ghana

Research in linguistics, communication studies and such related fields has explored diversely the significance of non-verbal cues in the communication process. Amongst the host of cues as gestures and postures, the communicative aspects of dress codes can be very revealing. In northern Ghana in particular, dress codes and their accompaniments are significant silent, yet loud communicators: They initiate diverse conventions and interpretations. Dress codes tend to reflect gender, age, socio-cultural roles and politico-economic ranks. The nature of the smock, a hand-woven fabric common to the people, as with respect to the number, colour, fabric, embroidery or design and sizes worn communicates significant details. The kind of hats worn and their positioning on one’s head, either tilted to the left, right, back, front or centre have significant spiritual and political connotations. Walking sticks of different kinds, shapes and sizes may not simply serve as walking aides but embodiments of potent charms. The diverse types and kinds of rings, bangles and amulets common with the people also reveal significant details about the wearers. Adopting descriptive analytic approaches in qualitative research, this research seeks to examine how the dress codes of men in northern Ghana serve as constructs of male masculinities.