The Akans of Ghana: Their history & culture. The Akan tribe have a very strong belief that two elements make them. Violation of these taboos may result in the birth of a or python, an abnormal baby having the features of a python. The best known of the Akan polities is the kingdom of Asante (Ashanti), which is a union of a number of autonomous chiefdoms under one king, the Asantehene. must. They are also forbidden to use unprocessed sponge (kutsamado-gbedi). According to oral tradition the Ekuona Clan is said to be the clan to introduce the Okyeame linguist into the Akan system where their Chief Nana Awurade Basa of Adanse in the 15th century appointed the first Okyeame. Ethnic Ga family names (surnames) include Nikoi, Amon, Kotey, Kotie, Adei, Kutorkor, Oblitey, Lartey, Nortey . Revelation: The movement of the Akan people from Kanaan to Ghana. Did you know Birmingham was home to the largest black Caribbean population in the UK? These names of the various clans are very unique. The symbol of the totem may be tattooed on the body, engraved on weapons, pictured in masks. Chiefs for these various towns are selected from clans, that is from the Womans family. The Asona Clan is the biggest clan among the Akan clans since a lot of people belong this clan is said to be the mother of all the Akan clans.Oral tradition has it that the Asona Clan were led out of a cave by a Snake and protected by an Elephant to their various destinations in Akyem and Edweso in the Ashanti Region. //]]> Lae Clan Their taboos are among the most powerful. A map indicating the languages spoken in Ghana can be found at the following address: (24 May 2005). If you are the copyright owner of this paper and no longer wish to have your work published on IvyPanda. The use of totem dates back to centuries. Ethnic traditional religion worshipers constitute 38% of the Gonja population. In his essay "Le Totmisme aujourdhui" (Totemism Today), the anthropologist, Claude Levi-Strauss argued that human cognition, which is based on analogical thought, is independent of social context. The Ewe, meanwhile, hid an elder, Tegli, in a sacred grove to solicit ideas from him. A researcher with the Hong Kong University Department of Linguistics stated that "the language of the Asona people of Ghana is Twi" (27 May 2005). 4. Among the Akans, it is a belief that man is made up of Blood (mogya), spirit (Sumsum), Soul (Okra) and family known as Abusua in the twi language. Together they form a legislative and executive body, and most importantly function as a judicial court. One of these went south and in turn, divided into two. Other towns of the Oyoko clan include Kokofu,Bekwae,Mamponten,Bogyaa,Dadieso,Obogu,Atobiase,Pampaso,Kontonase,Kwabere_Kenyase,Sawua,Ahenkro,Adumase,Ohwim,Asankare,Dwansa,Nyaabo,Atweede and Adwumakasekese. Any/all written content and images displayed are provided by the blogger/author, appear herein as submitted by the blogger/author and are unedited by Opera News. They are not to be licked by dogs. They are mainly found among the Fante but in Asante, their main towns are Adanse Fomena and Asokore. When a member of this Abusua greets you, your respond should be "Yaa Ofiri nana" and some towns that belong to this Abusua are Apeadu, Asokore, Ayaase and among others. The Akan people see their totem as a kind of ancestor. They are not expected to look at any part of raffia in the morning. According to Answers.com, Using an animal as a symbol to designate a family or individual was a custom native to both Europe and North America. Though, there are no modern Asona states. When greeted members of the Aduana clan respond Yaa ogyabaor yaa Abreade.It is believed that the members of the Aduana clan originally came from Asumanya but they were led by a dog with fire in its mouth and gold in its cheeks. (2019) 'The Akan Clan System'. He is responsible for providing for the family and protecting it. Aren't they? When the wife of a Bate man is pregnant she is forbidden to receive anything from anybody across a fence. Generally, the members of the group believe that they are descendants from a totem ancestor, or that they and the totem are "brothers". The coastal strip, which is sandwiched between the sea and the Keta Lagoon, makes Anloga an important fishing location, according to sources. In Notsie, ca. Today, up to 25 different totems can be identified among the Shona ethnic grouping, and similar totems exist among other South It i The 15 clans are Am, Lae, Amlade, Adzovia, Bate, Like, Bamee, Tovi, Klevi, etsofe, Agave, Tsiame, Dzevi, ifeme and Blu. The Yoruba founded Ketu by the fourteenth century. Their modern states are Akyem, Bosome, Dankyira and Kotoku. Among the Akans, it is a belief that man is made up of Blood (mogya), spirit (Sumsum), Soul (Okra) and family known as Abusua in the twi language. We will write a custom Term Paper on The Akan Clan System specifically for you for only 11.00 9.35/page. Theres also a thriving kete weaving industry and poultry production. When greeted by a member of the Asona, the reply should be "Yaa Ofori nana". Volta Region: Anlo clans and their Totems - Ewe Ghana A few examples of the totems of the clans in Rwanda are the crested crane, the frog, hyena, the leopard and most of these clans share totems. It is often said that the Akan political order provides a classic example of a chiefdom. The 15 clans are Lae, Amlade, Adzovia, Bate, Like, Bamee, Tovi, Klevi, etsofe, Agave, Tsiame, Am, Dzevi, ifeme and Blu. The Oyoko clan is the clan in which the King of the Asante Monarch His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu ll hails from. They founded Ashanti Kingdom. The people who bear the totems are the linguists known locally as Akyeame. From this, he excludes mathematical thought, which operates primarily through logic. The Ekuona Clan were believed to be the first among Akans to build houses and so were referred to as Adansi fuowhich means house builders. The symbol of the Asona is the crow or wild boar. According to Ebusuapanyin Ababio, most of the current generation do not know the importance of the totems and therefore overlook them when they see them. Fred Abrokwa. Agona Clan - Wikipedia Vol. The Baganda. He is accompanied by a queen mother and is guided by a council of divisional chiefs or elders who are the representatives of the resident matrilineages of the chiefdom. The Agona group arrived in Ghana in the middle of the 16th century. In addition to that, at least 35 smaller towns in the Ashanti Region are ruled by Asona lineages. Membership of a clan carries many distinguishing characteristics in the form of names, food taboos, clan totem which is associated with stories about its origins or their founding ancestors.var cid='5593179472';var pid='ca-pub-2915741758334785';var slotId='div-gpt-ad-ghlinks_com_gh-medrectangle-3-0';var ffid=1;var alS=1021%1000;var container=document.getElementById(slotId);var ins=document.createElement('ins');ins.id=slotId+'-asloaded';ins.className='adsbygoogle ezasloaded';ins.dataset.adClient=pid;ins.dataset.adChannel=cid;ins.style.display='block';ins.style.minWidth=container.attributes.ezaw.value+'px';ins.style.width='100%';ins.style.height=container.attributes.ezah.value+'px';container.style.maxHeight=container.style.minHeight+'px';container.style.maxWidth=container.style.minWidth+'px';container.appendChild(ins);(adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({});window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'stat_source_id',44);window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'adsensetype',1);var lo=new MutationObserver(window.ezaslEvent);lo.observe(document.getElementById(slotId+'-asloaded'),{attributes:true}); Totems: Monitor lizard eve, Antelope se and Sparrow atsutsre. In his response to the significance of the totems, he said the totems were made out of the peoples past history, adding that Mankessim as a town has even made a totem of the three leaders who led the Fantes to their present settlement as a symbol of honour. 2.Bretuo Clan. This clan corresponds to the Ekuona Abusua of the Akans and the Omanhene of the Oguaa Traditional area Osabarima Kwesi Atta II belongs to the Kona-Ebiradze Clan. "The Akan Clan System." The fifteen clans of Anlo include Lafe, Amlade, Adzovia, Bate, Like, Bamee, Klevi, Tovi, Tsiame, Agave, Ame, Dzevi, Vifeme, Xestofe, and Blu. n.d.b. "The Akan Clan System." Totem: The totem of the Asenie tribe is a bat. The chief is elected from a group of candidates eligible by right of membership in a matrilineal descent group in which the office has been vested. Oral sources: A professor at the University of Hong Kong did not provide information within the time constraints of this Response. These clans are represented with totems known in the Akan language as akyenaboa. I feel very proud when I see my totem which is the crow, but I dont understand its meaning, Kwamena said laughing, when I asked him about how he sees the usefulness of totems as family and clan symbols. Their symbolic qualities are Calmness and Patience. The Ekuona clan were the first settlers in Adansi Fomena. The totem of this group symbolizes bravery and even aggressiveness of these people. All these clans have their totem which can be regarded as something more than a spiritual symbol. The state of Anlo is one of the largest of the Ewe coastal tribes in Ghana. Membership of a clan carries many distinguishing characteristics in the form of names, food taboos, clan totem which is associated with stories about its origins or their founding ancestors. IvyPanda. Some Principal towns of Aduana are Dormaa and Akwamu. This coat of arms represents a certain ideology. ABSTRACT This research seeks to discuss Totemism: its influence on the Akan Youth of Ghana touching on the types of totems, the philosophical and literal meanings of the totems and conservation of biodiversity. This is because "the science of the concrete" is a classificatory system enabling individuals to classify the world in a rational fashion; it is neither more nor less a science than any other in the western world. The Asenie people believe their ancestors emerged out of the earth (Nkansa-Kyeremateng, 1996, p. 31). It is said that more people generally, belong to the Asona than to any other abusua. It is regarded as taboo for killing such animals or mishandling such objects in communities in which they are used, believing that killing or eating them would bring curses or calamities on the people. Totem: The totem of the Asona Abusua is a Crow. It is also important to add that younger generations respect older people and consult them in different cases. Ghanaian traditional symbols and their meanings - YEN.COM.GH Other principal towns of Aduana in Asante are Kumawu,Asumanya,Kwaman,Boaman,Agogo,Apromaase,Tikurom,Kaase,Apagya,Bompata,Kwaso,Akyease,Takyiman,Nsuatre,Drobo,Manso-mmem,Manso-Abodim,Ampabame,Danyaase,Akwaboa,Adokwae,Dumaase,Agyamasu,Worakese,Kwaman,Banso,Offinso-Dantin,Kwatwema,Awua-Domase,Amoaten-Gyaakye and Nyinahen. Their ancestors were warriors. The totem of this group symbolizes bravery and even aggressiveness of these people. The founder of this clan was Etse, twin brother of Atsu, founder of the Lae clan. The Akan tribe mostly has seven Abusua (Matrilineal clans) in each state. Milton Keynes, UK: AuthorHouse. Ebusuapanyin Ababio said totems could be classified into two main categories the family totem and the town or kings totem. IvyPanda, 16 Sept. 2019, ivypanda.com/essays/the-akan-clan-system/. As has been mentioned above, there are eight Akan clans. As to whether the use of totems is still useful in the current generation, Ebusuapanyin Ababio said the use of totems would forever continue to be important so far as culture plays an integral role in Ghanaian society. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you However, they also have a lot in common. The various clans are: Lafe, Tovi, Bame, Adzovia, Likei, Klevi and Amlade. A researcher with the Linguistics Department of the University of Hong Kong confirmed that the Asona were found in all these towns (27 May 2005). Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Ghana: The Asona clan, including languages, geographical locations and whether men are forced to marry their uncle's daughter, age of marriage, reasons for marriage, consequences of refusal and state protection available (2003-2005) , 27 May 2005, GHA100109.E , available at: https://www.refworld . 3.Agona Clan. When properly utilised, Ghana can earn foreign exchange from people coming to learn about these historical totems of our clans, communities, kings and chiefs. It is forbidden to marry someone from the same clan as you. Labi, K.A. The Seven Clans of the Fantes and Their Totems - Opera News Upon breaking the covenant with God, He pronounced a curse on man and man was taken out of the Garden of Eden. In Adansi Dompoase, members of the Asenie family are the crowned royals of the land and their leaders possesses special leadership skills endowed by their great ancestors. . Cape Coast which is the capital city of the Central region and is one of the historic towns in Ghana's History. Their legendry ancestor, Atsu enya, was reputed to have led the Anlo on their migration to their present country. According to him, the purpose of the family totem is for identification, adding that the town totems are proverbial symbols which carry a hidden message, doctrine or powers of a king or the traditional area. Violation of the taboo will result in madness or your demise. The principal towns are Edweso and Offinso. However, there are features which unite all Akan people. See More, Opera News is a free to use platform and the views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not represent, reflect or express the views of Opera News. Their totem is the hawk. It also extends north of the Keta Lagoon as far as Abor more than 40 miles. I know you are now responding to the greeting or mentioning your clan or thinking about it. Bamee babies must not be anointed with shea butter exposed to naked fire. Matrilateral cross-cousin marriages among the Akan, [] In a matrilateral cross-cousin marriage a man marries his maternal uncle's daughter (or some other marriageable woman from his uncle's matrilineage). Although totems are popular spiritual symbols throughout the global society, their use in textile design is not so pervasive particularly in Ghana (Steven and Salm, 2006;Studd, 2002 and Von Stamm . The principal towns are Adansi Akrofuom, Kyebi, Edweso and Offinso. Others believe that the totems protect them against their enemies or they are being protected by the powers in such objects. Ye gye wo sen? the Twi-speaking would ask. The vile Notsie king had also for his entertainment tasked the Ewe men and women to drum, sing and dance through the night for hours. The symbol of the Aduana is the Lion and Dog. Refworld | Ghana: The Asona clan, including languages, geographical Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. The Seven Clans of the Fantes and their Totems: The Anona "Abusuakuw" is one of the Clans of the Fantes. A very common totem in Ghana is currently extinct in several. [Accessed 20 May 2005], The Ghanaian Chronicle. The Gonja are a Guan people who have been influenced by Dagbon, Akan, Mande and Hausa people. Ghana as a country is not only unique with its people, geographical location, food, skin type, marriage, funerals, naming ceremonies, chieftaincy, hospitality, way of dressing, language but most importantly, its unparalleled family system distinguishes it from the rest of Africa and the world at large. Children who trace their genealogy to one patrilineal father may therefore share similar family names. Their ancestors were brave warriors and winners. For instance, the picture with a head on three heads, a totem of the Eguafo Traditional Area called Tsi kor mmpam means two heads are better than one or governance is a collective of ideas. Other towns of the Asenie are Antoa, Agona, Nkoranza, Wenchi, Atwoma, Kofiase, Abira, Baman, Denyase and Boanim. 25 May 2005. 2023/2024 Admission forms and Recruitment in Ghana, UG Call for Applications: WAMCAD Workshop on Disease Modelling, UMaT 14th Congregation Announcement to Graduands. The Tena-Bretuo arrived from the north. I left church because of tight wearing dresses by ladies -Kwabena Kwabena, Asantehene and wife to attend Coronation of King Charles lll, Aboakyer 2023 opens with cycle race competition, Minority Leader slams government for challenges faced by Ghanaian Banks. n.d.a. The other is Bate. Lets begin with the most powerful among these clans. The Twidan clan is one of the clans of the "Mfantsefo" of Fantes and this clan has its totem to be a Leopard which signifies an emblem of violence. It is said that more people generally belong to [the Asona] clan than to any other clan. The Akan people live in the coastal and forest areas of Ghana and Cte d'Ivoire. 16 September. Taboos: Not to breed, handle or destroy a dog, Members are not to be licked by dogs. An onion (shallot) growing industry abounds. In some part of the western region, the symbol of the Oyoko clan is rat. Firth and Fortes in their contribution said that totemism was based on physical or psychological similarities between the clan and the totemic animal. In ancient Ghanaian societies, totems were used to summon people to the palace, wars, and funerals. This clan has its totem to be a Plantain tree that supplies staple food and it signifies excellence and Ambition. Fantes have seven major clans and the inhabitants of the towns in the central region belongs to one of these "Abusuakuw" which means clan. Volta Region: The Seven clans Of The Ewes. - Opera News [2] They make up 3.7% of the population of Ghana. Download Opera News APP, By Adesua_Gh (self media writer) | 2 years ago. In March 1784, the Danish Governor of Christiansborg secured a force among the Ga, Ada, Krobo, Akwapim and Ge all of whom had become traditional enemies of Anlo and with an army of 4,000 troops, defeated the Anlo. September 16, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-akan-clan-system/. Agona Abusua is one of the Abusua of the Akans and towns like Fomesua, Asienimpon, Tree, Tafo and among others are of the Agona Abusua. Nkansa-Kyeremateng, K. (1996). The totem animal of the Asenie clan is the Bat. 5.Asenie Clan. 3.Agona Clan. Each clan is headed by a family head known as . Totems: Are they of significance? - Graphic Online The falcon is the symbol of the Oyoko. "Akwaaba!" The historical values of totems in Ghanaian societies cannot be underestimated. The symbol of the Asona isthe crow or wild boar. This Clan corresponds to the Oyoko Abusua of the Akans and among the seven clans of the Fantes they all have their own branches and the Anona branches includes Eguana, Dahyena and Amoana. Each of the clans have their own names by which the people are identified with. Its main towns are Kokofu, Kumasi, Dwaben and Nsuta. Thus, they think members of the clan have a strong bond (Labi, 2009). It is also important to note that the Akan people have preserved their major traditions and beliefs. 6.Aduana Clan. Taboo: Totem animal may not be eaten or handled. Required fields are marked *. The ruling families of Akim Abuakwa, Akuapem, and Kwahu Mpraeso in the Eastern Region also belong to the Asona clan. Thus, members of the clan inherit traits of their totem animal. News ), Opera News is a free to use platform and the views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not represent, reflect or express the views of Opera News. B. And pupils at the elementary level of education are taught the meanings and colours of such totem. Guan tribe: history, language, food, dance, festivals, facts Below are the List Of Akan Clans In Ghana. So, while it is acceptable to marry one's uncle's child (mother's brother), it is unacceptable to marry one's aunt's child (mother's sister). "Some of the towns that belong to the Asona Abusua are Abrakaso, Toaso, Odumase, Beposo and among others. [] It is said that more people generally, belong to [the Asona] clan than to any other clan. The closest family members are parents and siblings. The Asakyuiri group is not numerous. The Aduana Clan according to oral tradition are said to have been led by a dog with fire in its mouth. Thus, the Akan society is constituted by several clans which can be regarded as big and strong families. Some people call it 'Ekusi ebusua' therefore members of this clan are called "Ekusifo" in some part in the Western region. Finally Evans-Pritchard argued that the reason for totems was metaphoric. They must not set foot on the creeping branches of a sweet potato plant ti-ka. Akans are one of the major ethnic groups in Ghana, and they speak the twi language. References This page was last edited on 7 June 2022, at 01:04 (UTC). From the biblical perspective, God used the tree of life as his totem or a seal of covenant between Him and man. Violation of these taboos will result in rashes. We utilize security vendors that protect and The first known Asona woman was Asonaba Nana Ano Boadie who gave birth to Nana Ofori Panyin,Nana Nyaako Brae and Nana Abrewaa Dokuaa. Published online: 7 October 2011. In this paper, I consider major peculiarities of the eight clans and analyze the impact this social structure has on the present life of the Akan people. Please like, comment and share for more educative articles. Abusua - Wikipedia The Ga-Dangbe, G-Dab, Ga-Dangme, or GaDangme are an ethnic group in Ghana, Togo and Benin.The Ga and Dangbe people are grouped respectively as part of the Ga-Dangme ethnolinguistic group. Therefore it has become rare. In most cases the totemic animal or plant is considered as an object of taboo. The Akan language and its dialects are classified under the Tano language family, including Asante (Twi), Fante, and Akuapem, which also have their own distinctive written forms.
610 South Canal Street Chicago, Il 60607,
Port Melbourne Players,
Butterfly Position To Induce Labor,
Articles OTHER