The Akan people believe that they originate from a common ancestor. Their attitude towards the concepts of the family and clan unites them. Akan Clans and Totems In Ghana - YouTube 0:00 / 19:51 ACCRA Akan Clans and Totems In Ghana 484 views Jun 30, 2021 Culture is the arts elevated to a set of beliefs .more .more 6. This is majorly because one of the clans sharing the totem maybe a group that broke off another to start an independent clan. Violation of the taboo may result in your demise.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'ghlinks_com_gh-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',120,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-ghlinks_com_gh-medrectangle-4-0'); Clan cults: Aadoaklo, Kodzikli, Aadatsi, Tsiamitsi. 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. Anlogbe is a dialect of the Ewe language, itself part of the Gbe language cluster. The Lae clan is regarded as the oldest of all the Anlo clans. The totem animal of the Asenie clan is the Bat. The first known Asona woman was Asonaba Nana Ano Boadie who gave birth to Nana Ofori Panyin,Nana Nyaako Brae and Nana Abrewaa Dokuaa. Copyright notice: This document is published with the permission of the copyright holder and producer Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB). Published online: 24 February 2023. Since members of this clan trace their descent from ancestors in different places, their observations differ from place to place. [Accessed 24 May 2005], Nordic Journal of African Studies [Helsinki]. Correspondence sent by the researcher. One Junior High School (JHS) student, Richard Appiah, said totems were the walking sticks of chiefs and linguists. Taboos: Not to breed, handle or destroy a dog, Members are not to be licked by dogs. Totem: The totem of the Asakyire Abusua is a Vulture. The totem of the Agona people is the parrot hence their linguistic prowess. The Anlo state is made up of about thirty-six major (City) states including Fiaxor, Dzita, Tegbi, Vodza, Anlo Afiadenyigba, Fenyi, Bleamezado, Hatorgodo, Atito, Sasinyeme, Anyanui, Tregui, Evui, Ave-Afiadenyigba and Aborlorve. The result was that other Dukowo like Dzodze, Klikor, Fenyi and Wheta began to identify themselves with Anlo and regarded them as their champion against foreign imperialism. References This page was last edited on 7 June 2022, at 01:04 (UTC). The Tena-Bretuo modern states are Ashanti Mampong and Kwahu State. A person can be an Asante or Akan only by virtue of the fact that his or her mother is an Asante and this is because of their matrilineal system of inheritance. The Akan people are divided into eight matrilineal clans (Nkansa-Kyeremateng, 1996). These elements are Blood and Spirit .These elements are obtained from your Father and Mother. The chief is chosen among the best people of the clan. The Akan traditions have it that the Asona clan is originally from a place called Adanse Akrofrom in the southern Ashanti Region, from where they have spread all around the Akan country. The researcher with the Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology at the University of Helsinki and specialist on the Asante also provided some background information on the Akan people, of which the Asona clan are part: Geographical locations and languages spoken. [2] They make up 3.7% of the population of Ghana. Matrilateral cross-cousin marriages are also practised by the chiefs, who marry the daughter(s) of their predecessors in order to uphold the alliances between the ruling lineage and the other matrilineages in the community. Totem: The totem of the Asenie tribe is a bat. However, extended families are very important for the Akan society. The traditions and culture of this group are heavily . The coastal strip, which is sandwiched between the sea and the Keta Lagoon, makes Anloga an important fishing location, according to sources. They are also committed to their clans as well as families. The ancestors of the Aduana clan are said to have descended from heaven on a golden chain. The entire community known as Dogboawo lived together, each unit in its individual ward under its own head under the king. Typical family names include Yankah, Osam, Aidoo, etc. 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. ensure the integrity of our platform while keeping your private information safe. Others believe that they originally came from Asumanya and they were led by a dog with a flame in his mouth and gold in his cheeks. To American Indians, it was a totem. Labi, K.A. Having ordered the murder of Ewe elders, he ordered the building of a defensive wall around the city of Notsie. 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. All persons belonging to the same clan, irrespective of their place of residence, are considered to be related by blood, or more specifically, to be descendants of a common ancestress. She told me that she didnt really know how to respond to the family greeting. Their taboos are among the most powerful. The 15 clans are Lae, Amlade, Adzovia, Bate, Like, Bamee, Tovi, Klevi, etsofe, Agave, Tsiame, Am, Dzevi, ifeme and Blu. The Aduana Clan according to oral tradition are said to have been led by a dog with fire in its mouth. 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). 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. Other towns are Bekwae, Mamponten, Bogyae, Dadieso, Obogu, Asaaman Adubiase, Pampaso, Kontanase, Kenyase, and Ntonso. Many people in the diaspora prefer coming to the country to experience what the African culture is all about. []. Ethnic Ga family names (surnames) include Nikoi, Amon, Kotey, Kotie, Adei, Kutorkor, Oblitey, Lartey, Nortey . When someone from this Abusua greets you, the reply should be "Yaa go naa.". These clans have an emblem or totem that represents them and in this article depicts the seven clans of the Fantes and their totems. In some cases, people try to emulate or exhibit the qualities of their totems. Published online: 7 October 2011. Kona-Ebiradze is one of the seven "Ebusuakuw"(clans) of the "Mfantsefo"(Fantes) in Ghana. Yes, there are seven different clans among the Ewes of Ghana, some parts of Togo and Benin. (2019, September 16). Are you a Fante? Theres also a thriving kete weaving industry and poultry production. Newborn Anlo Ewe girls also have their ears pierced on the seventh day and named. John Roscoe. EDUCATIONAL IMPACTS 8.Asakyiri Clan. Generally, the members of the group believe that they are descendants from a totem ancestor, or that they and the totem are "brothers". VIDEO: Watch how Stephen Appiah announced a Philadelphia Eagles NFL draft pick, State remains committed to battling drug use - Vice President assures public, COCOBOD refutes former President Mahama's claims of collapsed cocoa sector. 3.Agona Clan. 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. Some towns of the Agona are Tafo, Bodwesango, Fumesua, Edwumako Techiman, Dunkwa, Asienimpon, Trede Ahwaa, Akyem Apedwa. n.d.b. This is the senior of the two royal clans. The fifteen clans of Anlo include Lafe, Amlade, Adzovia, Bate, Like, Bamee, Klevi, Tovi, Tsiame, Agave, Ame, Dzevi, Vifeme, Xestofe, and Blu. It was Tegli who advised the Ewe women to form the habit of throwing wastewater which included menstrual blood at portions of the wall to weaken it overtime for the grand escape they desired. Asakyiri claim that they were the first to be created by God. They are therefore accorded respect and believed to have a sacred connection with a human group. They occupy about two thirds of the territory of the country. The symbol of the Aduana is the Lion and Dog. When greeted, the reply should be "Yaa Obiri nana". The Totem symbol of the Ekuona family is the Buffalo. Other towns of the family are Banko, Mprim, Kona, Asokore-Mampon, Berekum, Kokofu-Abuoso, Adumasa, Heman, Abenkyem, Cape Coast, Jukwaa, and Duayaw-Nkwanta. This groups totem is the parrot. September 16, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-akan-clan-system/. Fred Abrokwa. Totem: The totem of the Aduana Abusua is a Dog. I personally had to make some efforts before I was told the meanings of the totems used in the story. The child inherits courage, talents and wisdom from the father. Totem: Adzvia, a small brown perch-like fish related to Tilapia Melanopleura (Akpa). The founder of this clan was Etse, twin brother of Atsu, founder of the Lae clan. One of the seven clans of the Fantes is the Ntwaa "Abusuakuw" or clan. The Akan people live in the coastal and forest areas of Ghana and Cte d'Ivoire. roto-rooter emergency; argentine actors in mexico; detroit pistons ticket deals. Thus, members of the clan inherit traits of their totem animal. Ivy Benson. Fantes or "Mfantsefo" are one of the major ethnic groups in Ghana, and they are dominant and can be found in the Central region of Ghana. When greeted their response is Yaa Obiri Nana. Not to destroy the monitor lizard, and to bury or cover its dead body with leaves. They also make important decisions together. The do not eat galadzei or a crab which is turned upside down with legs up when being cooked. Every child when born is initiated into a family through a naming ceremony and the name given to him or her shows the family he or she is from. 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. However, there are features which unite all Akan people. Please like, comment and share for more educative articles. Over the years, Ghanaians have continued to hold on to the traditions handed over to them by their ancestors. Why this entrance exam at the British Council gate? They believe their ancestors came with the Asakyuiri group and settled in the area. i is also believed to be of foreign origin. 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 . It is said that more people generally belong to [the Asona] clan than to any other clan. 4.Asona Clan. Nsona Clan is one of the seven clans of the Fantes tribe in Ghana. Importantly, cooperation within a family or between different families is very important for the Akan people. Its symbol is the leopard. The father and other members of the nuclear family do not belong to the same extended family. 27 May 2005. Aduana believe that at the time of creation, their ancestors descended from the skies on a golden chain. This clan has its totem to be a Dog and this shows an emblem of agility and promptness and one of the branches of the Ntwaa Clan is the "Abadzi.". 2.Bretuo Clan. 12.1 Akan Clans and their totem animals 4 Source publication THE PLACE OF AFRICAN ANIMAL ETHICS WITHIN THE WELFARIST AND RIGHTIST DEBATE: AN INTERROGATION OF AKAN ONTOLOGICAL AND ETHICAL BELIEFS. The first king of the Agona Clan is Nana Boa Amponsem I who created the first Akan Empire which mostly traded in gold and Kola nuts.When greeted their response is Yaa ago nana.Some towns of the Agona Clan include Tafo,Bodwesango,Fomesua,Asienimpom,Trede Ahwaa,Ampabame,Nkwawie,Konkoma,Gyenyase,Amoaman,Adwuman,Sepe,Akyenakron and Asuonwin. "The Akan Clan System." The Akans of Ghana: Their history & culture. In Notsie, ca. 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. In correspondence to the Research Directorate, a researcher with the Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology at the University of Helsinki and specialist on the Asante provides some information on the areas in which the Asona clan is found: Lineages of the Asona clan can be found in almost all Akan chiefdoms. Each chiefdom is composed of several matrilineages that are established on the basis of common matrilineal descent from a known female ancestor. Most of the people I interacted with were clueless about the meaning and how to respond to traditional family and clan greetings. They are not expected to look at any part of raffia in the morning. Totems: same as Laeif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'ghlinks_com_gh-box-4','ezslot_5',121,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-ghlinks_com_gh-box-4-0'); Clan cult: Tgbi Gbe, Sui, Nyaga, Adebe. The eight clans are Oyoko, Bretuo, Agona, Asona, Asenie, Aduana, Ekuona, and Asakyiri. The Totem symbol of the Aduana clan is the Dog and Fire. The people who bear the totems are the linguists known locally as Akyeame. Correspondence sent by the researcher. Already in a survey conducted in the 1940's only 8 % of all married women were or had once been married to a cross-cousin. The peculiar characteristics of Bretuo clan is exceptional bravery and aggressiveness.The Commander of the Asante army is the Mampong Hene. They were also used as a seal or symbol for covenant. The closest family members are parents and siblings. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Some towns that belongs to this Abusua are Berekum, Abenkyem, Adanse Fomena and among others. [Accessed 20 May 2005], Asante.co.uk. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. If there is no woman in a family, the family disappears (Nkansa-Kyeremateng, 1996). https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-akan-clan-system/, IvyPanda. It is said that more people generally belong to the Asona than to any other abusua. The matrilineal system of inheritance is very common when it comes to this tribe. 25 May 2005. 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. IvyPanda. September 16, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-akan-clan-system/. They rely on each other and they solve difficult issues together. This is IvyPanda's free database of academic paper samples. [CDATA[ 4.Asona 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. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request. 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. Opera News does not consent to nor does it condone the posting of any content that violates the rights (including the copyrights) of any third party, nor content that may malign, inter alia, any religion, ethnic group, organization, gender, company, or individual. [] It is said that more people generally, belong to [the Asona] clan than to any other clan. The Agona Clan predominantly occupy the Denkyira area. One of the clans of the Fantes is the Aboradzi "Abusuakuw" and the branches of the Aboradzi clan includes Takyina. Opera News does not consent to nor does it condone the posting of any content that violates the rights (including the copyrights) of any third party, nor content that may malign, inter alia, any religion, ethnic group, organization, gender, company, or individual. 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. 1 Issue 5 plant that serves as the symbol of a family or clan and often as a reminder of its ancestry. Also, the totems are educational materials in the traditional fraternity that one has to devote his or her time to learn. Some clans are good at trading. Opera News furthermore does not condone the use of our platform for the purposes encouraging/endorsing hate speech, violation of human rights and/or utterances of a defamatory nature. Thus, the Aduana group is one of the clans. The fifteen clans of Anlo include Lafe, Amlade, Adzovia, Bate, Like, Bamee, Klevi, Tovi, Tsiame, Agave, Ame, Dzevi, Vifeme, Xestofe, and Blu. Fantes have seven major clans and the inhabitants of the towns in the central region belongs to one of these "Abusuakuw" which means clan. No single Ewe Duko (Ewe State) was able to permanently impose its authority on the others and thereby create a unified state although the Anlo and Ge tried to expand to attain boundaries that would ensure prosperity and political power, according to accounts. Towns of this clan include Gyamaase,Adanse_Ayaase,Adanse_Ahensan,Ofoase,Abootan,Baworo,Kyekyebiase,Asenemanso,Mprem,Adudwam,Donyina,Yonso,Nintin,Tewobaabi,Adibinsokese,Atasemanso,Gyamase_Kyekyewere,Bedomase,Apaa,Domeabra,Agogo_Hwidiem and Adankranya. The Asenie people believe their ancestors emerged out of the earth (Nkansa-Kyeremateng, 1996, p. 31). 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. Internet sites, including: AllAfrica.com, Africa-Express, The Ghanaian Times, WNC. Guang people. "Akwaaba!" Read also 5 fashion styles Ghanaians equate with immorality Source: Redbubble GhLinks Media One of these went south and in turn, divided into two. 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. The falcon is the symbol of the Oyoko. Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. Their totem is the vulture. They are ready to help each other. This is not to say that the other Clans are not as powerful. The Denkyirahene is from the Agona clan. Cashew tree may not be used for firewood, and its nuts not to be eaten. To Europeans, the animal (or plant) painted on a special background was known as a coat of arms. Opera News does not consent to nor does it condone the posting of any content that violates the rights (including the copyrights) of any third party, nor content that may malign, inter alia, any religion, ethnic group, organization, gender, company, or individual. They founded Ashanti Kingdom. The chief listens to some advice of the oldest and most respectable members of the clan. Required fields are marked *. The Asona peoples totem is the crow. 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. It is also important to note that the Akan people have preserved their major traditions and beliefs. If you are the copyright owner of this paper and no longer wish to have your work published on IvyPanda. Abusua is the name in Akan culture for a group of people that share common maternal ancestry governed by seven major ancient female abosom (deities). The matrilineal system of inheritance is very common among the Fantes as they claim to have separated from the Asantes who also practice this system of inheritance. It is said the forebears of the Ewe, the Yoruba and the ancestors of the Aja, Fon, and Ga-Dangme lived in harmony till the expansion of the Yoruba people pushed the Ewe and related peoples westward. People of the same Abusua share a common ancestor somewhere within their bloodline, which may go back as far as thousands of years. Chapter. The totem of this group symbolizes bravery and even aggressiveness of these people. This is not a UNHCR publication. Violations of all other taboos of this clan result in rashes or loose tongue. 2019. The original clans from HOGBE (Nortsie) were the Kleviawo, Ameao, Lofeawo, Amladeawo, Bateawo, Vifemeawo, Bluawo and Adzoviawo. Descent is however traced patrilineally from the male children of the ancestress i. n.d.a. Klev, is a small local bird which not to be eaten. We utilize security vendors that protect and Clan definition, a group of families or households, as among the Scottish Highlanders, the heads of which claim descent from a common ancestor: the Mackenzie clan. This shall be demonstrated by demystifying the classification of various animal totems, categorising them into clans or groups, and evaluating their distinct features or characteristics and their impact on the human being. The Akan Clan System. They believe their ancestors brought fire to people. These various clans have their founding Fathers, Various totem animals they use to represent them,their mode of greetings,their peculiarities among others. They must not set foot on the creeping branches of a sweet potato plant ti-ka. Note that, among the Asante people, every child automatically belongs to the clan of his/her mother. Since they are not so many members in this clan.The Totem symbol for the Asakyiri Clan is the Hawk. During one of such performances, Tegli, himself a mystic, was carried to the grounds where he drew the Sword of Liberation, summoned the gods, and pierced the wall proclaiming, O Mawuga Kitkata, wuwo na mi ne miadogo, azo adzo (Oh great God Kitikana, open the door for us so that we walk through). Did you know Birmingham was home to the largest black Caribbean population in the UK? They are also forbidden to use unprocessed sponge (kutsamado-gbedi). Clearly, each clan has certain history and distinctive features. The Akan tribe have a very strong belief that two elements make them. It is forbidden to marry someone from the same clan as you. Akans are one of the major ethnic groups in Ghana, and they speak the twi language. In such a case an uncle is able to make sure that his daughter has a decent husband in his nephew, and since he is also his possible matrilineal successor the inheritance left behind will indirectly benefit his daughter as well. There are eight clans (extended families) in the Akan community. All these clans have their totem which can be regarded as something more than a spiritual symbol. Reading the intangible heritage in tangible Akan art. It is important to understand peculiarities of each clan to have a better understanding of the life in Ghana. Clan cults: Zi, Atsipkui, Dzomadoetg. The people engage in subsistence agriculture and grow crops like cassava, maize, pepper, and vegetables. These totems have so much hidden knowledge to be learnt but most of the youth are ignorant about them. Some clans are constituted by brave warriors and others include skillful craftsmen. 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. When greeted members of this clan respond Yaa Adu nana.Other towns of this clan are Antoa,Agona,Nkoranza,Wenchi,Atwoma,Kofiase,Adonten,Kwamo,Ajyaakrom,Asuboa,Dompoase(Adanse),Poano,Mpataase,Atwima-Takyiman,Kobireso,Abenase and Denyase. This is the only clan whose members are occasionally spoken of as actual descendants of the totem animal. Bodomo, A. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Nana Yankyimadu of Akorokyere is their well known ancestor. Amnesty International cites Ghana for human rights abuses; LGBTI NPP members are heart-broken over poor performance - John Mahama, Tussle between 2 generals causes havoc in Sudan, Ceccy Twum, Winneba Youth Choir for Aboakyer Gospel and Choral Night, Time to update workplace law - Government, workers, UBA Ghana posts 16% growth in balance sheet, Namibia endeavours to be a preferred tourist destination in Africa, Alan's Aduru Wo So health walk held in Accra. 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. Totems in African society demonstrate the close relationship between people, animals and the environment. Oyoko, Ekuona (Kona), Bretuo ne Tena (Twidan), Agona Abusua (Eguana in Fante), Asenie Abusua (Atwafo), Asakyiri Abusua (Anona) and Oyokuo (Yokofo or Dehyena) are all Akan clans or families in Ghana. Every adult is expected to perform etretsytsy Evidence of this is the calabash being hung in the sitting rooms of Blu clan members. Opera News furthermore does not condone the use of our platform for the purposes encouraging/endorsing hate speech, violation of human rights and/or utterances of a defamatory nature. 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. // Gill Corporation Layoffs, Dr Charlie Ward Who Is He, 1911 Last Round Failure Feed, Bug Bite Leaves Hard Lump, Articles OTHER