Below are the List Of Akan Clans In Ghana. An onion (shallot) growing industry abounds. Violation of these taboos may result in the birth of a or python, an abnormal baby having the features of a python. Each clan has certain characteristics and has a specific totem. //]]> The remaining 4% of the Gonjas are Christians. 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. "The Akan Clan System." The principal towns are Adansi Akrofuom, Kyebi, Edweso and Offinso. Their ancestors were warriors. [Accessed 20 May 2005], The Ghanaian Chronicle. People of the same Abusua share a common ancestor somewhere within their bloodline, which may go back as far as thousands of years. There are several Abusua that transcend the different ethnic subgroups outside of the ancient seven. Some clans are good at trading. Numbering over six million strong, the Ewe people inhabiting southern Togo, southern Benin, southwest Nigeria, and south-eastern parts of the Volta Region of Ghana are an ethnic group with a patrilineal society governed by a hierarchal, centralized authority. It is important to note that the Akan people honor their ancestors and are proud of their roots. The original version of this document may be found on the offical website of the IRB at, Last Updated: Friday, 28 April 2023, 15:24 GMT, 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees, 1954 Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness, Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada. The Akan constitute almost 50% of the population of Ghana (Labi, 2009). Taboos: Not to destroy, touch or handle the leopard, or sit on its skin. [] It is said that more people generally, belong to [the Asona] clan than to any other clan. Since they are not so many members in this clan.The Totem symbol for the Asakyiri Clan is the Hawk. Among the Anlo corrupted as Awuna by the early European merchants and slave traders, the chieftain is the Awomefia, whose three senior chiefs, in times past, commanded the three military divisions of the state. How many clans are in Akan? The symbol of the Asona isthe crow or wild boar. n.d.b. If there is no woman in a family, the family disappears (Nkansa-Kyeremateng, 1996). John Roscoe. The matrilineages belong to larger matriclans, which are not localized units and they include member lineages throughout all Akan chiefdoms. We will write a custom Term Paper on The Akan Clan System specifically for you for only 11.00 9.35/page. Their totem is the hawk. They are ready to help each other. When greeted their response is Yaa doku nana.The members of this clans peculiar character is uprightness. 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. She told me that she didnt really know how to respond to the family greeting. The Tena-Bretuo modern states are Ashanti Mampong and Kwahu State. These clans have an emblem or totem that represents them and in this article depicts the seven clans of the Fantes and their totems. Kona-Ebiradze is one of the seven "Ebusuakuw"(clans) of the "Mfantsefo"(Fantes) in Ghana. When properly utilised, Ghana can earn foreign exchange from people coming to learn about these historical totems of our clans, communities, kings and chiefs. The Akan people believe that they originate from a common ancestor. See more. It is often said that the Akan political order provides a classic example of a chiefdom. Historians are divided on the movement pattern as some put the line of migration as being Ketu-Tado-Notsie or Oyo-Ketu-Notsie, or Oyo-Ketu-Tado-Notsie. Prior, Europeans transacted trade on board passing vessels but from about 1720, the Dutch and later the English and Danes began to establish lodges at Anexo, Aflao, Keta and Woe. The assertion by Claude Levi-Strauss that scientific explanation entails the discovery of an "arrangement" proves wrong those with an opinion that Ghanaians or Africans for that matter were not civilised before the coming of Europeans or colonisation. The other is Bate. They proceeded to Dormaa where they believe the flame is still kept alight. The peculiar characteristics of Bretuo clan is exceptional bravery and aggressiveness.The Commander of the Asante army is the Mampong Hene. Your email address will not be published. GhLinks Media The Akan people live in the coastal and forest areas of Ghana and Cte d'Ivoire. There are Eight clans among the Akans they are; 1.Oyoko and Adako Clan. In his explanation, Ebusuapanyin Ababio cited an example where a king in the Central Region used a totem that nearly brought a war between two communities because of the meaning of the totem. The Oyoko clan is the clan in which the King of the Asante Monarch His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu ll hails from. 3 Oct. 1999). 2019. The Totem symbol of the Bretuo clan is the Leopard. The people engage in subsistence agriculture and grow crops like cassava, maize, pepper, and vegetables. 1500, their host king Adela Atogble received them well but his successor, Ago Akoli, proved himself a tyrant. Traditionally, the Anlo-Ewe have one supreme God, Mawuga Kitikata or simply Mawu. When a member of this Abusua greets you, your respond should be "Yaa ofori Nana. 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. You can use them for inspiration, an insight into a particular topic, a handy source of reference, or even just as a template of a certain type of paper. In addition to that, at least 35 smaller towns in the Ashanti Region are ruled by Asona lineages. In some part of the western region, the symbol of the Oyoko clan is rat. Owing to the destruction of the Atlantic sea waves, Keta lost its place of pride to Anloga which is now the chief city and soul of the Anlo State. In one way or the other, I think that our forefathers were very creative and particular with the choice of the totems because a lot of thinking must be considered before finally selecting a familys or communitys totem. When greeted by a person from the Asakyiri, the reply should be "Yaa Ofori nana". Each chiefdom is composed of several matrilineages that are established on the basis of common matrilineal descent from a known female ancestor. The Ekuona clan were the first settlers in Adansi Fomena. However, Asenie people always note their background and are proud to be a part of this clan. September 16, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-akan-clan-system/. This is the second largest ethnic group in Ghana and is comprised of many different sub-groups, such as the Dagomba, Mamprusi and Mossi. 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. 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. professional specifically for you? Animals like antelopes, eagles, lions, crows, parrots, whales, sharks, elephants, python, and many others are some of the animals which are mostly used as totems and these animals are not many in the ecology. If you are the copyright owner of this paper and no longer wish to have your work published on IvyPanda. 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. Anlo proper includes the coastal belt lying between Anyanui at the estuary of the Volta Lake, and Blekusu located about five kilometers east of Keta. The Akan people believe that the family is the most important unit in the society. IvyPanda. When greeted by a person from the Bretuo, the reply should be "Yaa etwie nana". International Journal of Intangible Heritage, 4(1), 42-57. It founded the towns of Hohoe, Matse, Peki, Kpando, Awudome, Alavanyo, Kpalime, Agu, Ve, Kpedze and Wodze. Other towns of the Asakyiri are Abofuo, Aduanede, Abrenkese, and Apeadu.Their symbol is the vulture and eagle. If the content contained herein violates any of your rights, including those of copyright, and/or violates any the above mentioned factors, you are requested to immediately notify us using via the following email address operanews-external(at)opera.com and/or report the article using the available reporting functionality built into our Platform The Totem symbol of the Aduana clan is the Dog and Fire. 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. Other sources indicated that the Asona clan is present in Berekuso (The Ghanaian Chronicle 24 May 2005), Offinso and Edwenso (Accra Mail. Cape Coast which is the capital city of the Central region and is one of the historic towns in Ghana's History. In Anlo-Ewe society, funerals are taken seriously. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Below is an in-depth knowledge on the eight Abusua of the Akans and their totems (animals they are represented by); Totem: The totem of the Agona Abusua is a Parrot Known as "Akoo" among the Akan ethnic group. The father is the breadwinner in the family. Hence, it is possible to note that the members of the clan are ready to help each other as they see each other as members of a big family. Nsona 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. 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. Each clan is headed by a family head known as . Ethnic traditional religion worshipers constitute 38% of the Gonja population. Some towns of the Agona are Tafo, Bodwesango, Fumesua, Edwumako Techiman, Dunkwa, Asienimpon, Trede Ahwaa, Akyem Apedwa. (Tanoso - near Akumadan) Amoafo, Asiwa, and Afigyaase/Effiduase. [CDATA[ The totem of this group symbolizes bravery and even aggressiveness of these people. Totem: The totem of the Biretuo Abusua is a Leopard. Chiefs for these various towns are selected from clans, that is from the Womans family. 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 Asakyuiri group is not numerous. The father and other members of the nuclear family do not belong to the same extended family. Bretuo are found mainly in Adansi Ayaase, Mampong, Kwahu, Adankranya, Amprofi Tanoso However, the Ebusuapanyin of the Omanhen of Mankessim, Kwame Ababio, explained the idea behind the use of the totems and its significance in Ghanaian societies. Moreover, the Akan people believe they can recognize a member of their clan even if the latter is a stranger and lived in another area (Akanba, 2010). It is worth noting that when the Ashantis fought the Denkyiras it was the Mampong hene who was Commander of the Ashanti Army. The totem animal of the Asenie clan is the Bat. In ancient Ghanaian societies, totems were used to summon people to the palace, wars, and funerals. Milton Keynes, UK: AuthorHouse. The fascinating story of Anthony Johnson, the black man who was the first to own a slave in the U.S. After falling off his billionaire status, Kanye Wests net worth surges back to $400 million, How Orisha veneration by the Yoruba and Ewe crossed over as, This African Tribe From Togo And Benin Were Experts In Penis, The Matobo women of Zimbabwe and how theyre preserving, The fascinating culture of the Kuria people of Kenya, Two men to receive $900k each for being wrongfully incarcerated for nearly 17 years, Mother and 9-year-old daughter killed with axe in their New Jersey home, Ghanaian rapper sues Drake for $10m over copyright infringement, Amber Batchelor is the first black CEO of Georgias Chamber of Commerce, No one wanted to produce for me back then: Tems speaks about her music career, Meet Arunma Oteh, the former vice president and first black treasurer of the World Bank, Bryant Gumbel is the first black journalist to earn Sports Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award, How Nigerian tech guru Fope Davies earned $340k from building custom PCs, America honors legendary soul singer Gladys Knight with national medal of art. 4.Asona Clan. By BigThings_News (self media writer) | 2 years ago. The fact that totems in the Northern Sotho culture are slowly dying out could perhaps be ascribed to the negative impact . B. Their totem is the bat. Whatever their origin, they possess herds of cattle and some of their totems are cattle, while others are vegetable or plant totems; whereas purely pastoral people have totems relating almost entirely to cattle, and peasants who till the soil have totems taken from plants or things relating to agriculture. Their totem is the leopard. However, cross-cousin marriages are still practised, among the chiefs in particular, although in their case the marriages tend to be "ceremonial" in nature and the spouses will not actually live as a couple. They also make important decisions together. If they inadvertently do so, they must lick the raffia. Cultural traits of the Yoruba are visible with the Anlo-Ewe spanning ancestral worship, the worship of deities and divination (Afa Kaka) perfected by the former while in Nigeria. Taboos: Members of this clan are forbidden to destroy or eat totem animals. It is also important to note that the Akan people have preserved their major traditions and beliefs. The response of people from this clan when greeted is Yaa ofori nana.Other clans of this town are Ejura,Feyiase,Manso-Nkwanta,Bonwire,Atwima-Agogo,Abrakaso,Taabuom,Beposo,Toase,Abirem,Adanse-Akrofrom,Asotwe,Onwe, Manso Nkwanta,Tano-Odumase,Anyinasu,Manso-Atwedie,Domenase,Onwi-Odaho,Denyase-Odaho,Akwamu Kumase,Kronko-Kumase,Konongo,Apemanin,Kotei,Antoa-Krobo,Senkyi,Adadientam,Dedesua,Manson_Asaman,Akwamu-Bewkai,Sabene_Akrofroum and Konongo-Odumase. 16 September. The chief is chosen among the best people of the clan. Hence, several members of the clan make the most important decisions together after a discussion. In Asante the principal towns for the Aduana are Kumawu, Asumanya, Kwaman, Boaman, Agogo, Banso, Obo-Kwahu, Apromaase, Akyem Apapam, Tikurom, Kaase, Apagya, Bompata, Kwaso, Akyease, Manso Agroyesum, Manso-Mmem, Manso-Abodom, Gomoa Ohua and Nyinahen. The child inherits courage, talents and wisdom from the father. 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. Totem: Kona-Ebiradze Ebusuakuw has it totem to be a buffalo and this totem signifies the avidity to see what is in water and on land? 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). Not to use salt from a bulrush-basket kevimedze, Violation of taboo will result in your demise, Clan cult: Nyigbla, the traditional religious god, and the Dzevi are its custodians, Taboos: Totem animal not to be destroyed, eaten or handled. 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. Heres what we know. This is why they do not marry a person, who is from their clan, but have to look for their partners in other clans. 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. 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. i is also believed to be of foreign origin. When greeted their response is Yaa etwie Nana.The first known ancestor of the Bretuo Clan is Nana Asiama Guahyia. It is totally unacceptable to marry any cousin whatsoever on one's father's side. The Akan tribe have a very strong belief that two elements make them. 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. 5 No 2. Other towns are Bekwae, Mamponten, Bogyae, Dadieso, Obogu, Asaaman Adubiase, Pampaso, Kontanase, Kenyase, and Ntonso . Their symbolic qualities are Calmness and Patience. 4.Asona Clan. They believe their ancestors brought fire to people. Ivy Benson. Its main towns are Kokofu, Kumasi, Dwaben and Nsuta. Below are the List Of Akan Clans In Ghana The eight [Asante] clans are Oyoko, Bretuo, Agona, Asona, Asenie, Aduana, Ekuona, and Asakyiri. Therefore it has become rare. The Yoruba founded Ketu by the fourteenth century. Some towns that belongs to this Abusua are Berekum, Abenkyem, Adanse Fomena and among others. (2019) 'The Akan Clan System'. 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. Others believe that the totems protect them against their enemies or they are being protected by the powers in such objects. Adwenadze is one of the seven "Abusuakuw" or clans of the Fantes tribe. They occupy about two thirds of the territory of the country. When they die members of this clan have their faces covered with leaves of raffia specially woven. 7.Ekuona Clan. 2005 - 2023 Graphic Online | Graphic Communications Group Ltd. provides information on the geographical areas covered by the Asona clan of the Asante kingdom, a "polity" of the Akan people (Researcher with the University of Finland 25 May 2005): The eight [Asante] clans are Oyoko, Bretuo, Agona, Asona, Asenie, Aduana, Ekuona, and Asakyiri. Finally Evans-Pritchard argued that the reason for totems was metaphoric. Copyright 2023 - IvyPanda is operated by, The Movement of Indigenous People Away from City Centers, and in Saudi Arabia in Particular, How societies construct gender identities, sexual practices, and gendered bodies, Akan Language and Traditions of Naming Children, The Colonial Trade and Slave Entrepreneurship, Ethnic and Political Affiliation in Ghana's Elections, Totem Poles: Artifacts of Canadian Cultures, The Adinkra Clothing and African-American Quilt, The History of the Endangered Languages and the Ways of Their Preservation, Patrilineal and Matrilineal Descent Groups, Relations and Social Distance in Kinship and Marriage, Australopithecus Africanus Characteristics and Facts, Entomophagy as Portrayed by Western Media and Literature, Primary Mode of Subsistence In The Zulu Culture. The Lae clan is regarded as the oldest of all the Anlo clans. Taboos: Not to breed, handle or destroy a dog, Members are not to be licked by dogs. The matrilineal system of inheritance is very common when it comes to this tribe. Reading the intangible heritage in tangible Akan art. Lets begin with the most powerful among these clans. However, the military defeat of Anlo rather united the neighboring Ewe states to Anlo. Each of the clans have their own names by which the people are identified with. 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. There are eight clans (extended families) in the Akan community. It is also necessary to note that Akan clans are governed by a chief. Also, the totems are educational materials in the traditional fraternity that one has to devote his or her time to learn. Vol. They believe their king Asare Nyansa brought all kinds of craftsmen (weavers, carvers, smiths and embroiderers) and let his people learn the crafts (Nkansa-Kyeremateng, 1996, p. 30). 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. When someone from this Abusua greets you, the reply should be "Yaa go naa.". 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. The Akans of Ghana: Their history & culture. Their ancestors were brave warriors and winners. This is IvyPanda's free database of academic paper samples. The chief listens to some advice of the oldest and most respectable members of the clan. 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. There are Eight clans among the Akans they are; These various clans have their founding Fathers, Various totem animals they use to represent them,their mode of greetings,their peculiarities among others. Oral sources: A professor at the University of Hong Kong did not provide information within the time constraints of this Response. 8.Asakyiri Clan. must. Origin. One Junior High School (JHS) student, Richard Appiah, said totems were the walking sticks of chiefs and linguists. the wishes of their parents and uncles, whereas in the villages the marriages tend to follow the traditional pattern more closely. Typical family names include Yankah, Osam, Aidoo, etc. They are not expected to look at any part of raffia in the morning. 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. Yaa obi dehye, one lady said, trying to respond to her family greeting, wrongly though. If the content contained herein violates any of your rights, including those of copyright, and/or violates any the above mentioned factors, you are requested to immediately notify us using via the following email address operanews-external(at)opera.com and/or report the article using the available reporting functionality built into our Platform. Today, up to 25 different totems can be identified among the Shona ethnic grouping, and similar totems exist among other South African groups, such as the Zulu, the Ndebele, and the Herero in Botswana and Namibia. Please like, comment and share for more educative articles. The two clans have identical observances except for the cults. This clan played a very important role in the trade with Europe. [Accessed 24 May 2005], GhanaWeb.com. 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.". 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. Some people call it 'Ekusi ebusua' therefore members of this clan are called "Ekusifo" in some part in the Western region. 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 Akan Clan System. 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. Totems: Leopard, Hippo, Dog, Crab, Raffia. The historical values of totems in Ghanaian societies cannot be underestimated. Totem: Adzvia, a small brown perch-like fish related to Tilapia Melanopleura (Akpa). Children from the Womans side are considered to be royals whiles Children from the Mans family are not considered to be royals. 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. The Asona peoples totem is the crow. 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. Thus, members of the clan inherit traits of their totem animal. The social and political organization of all Akan groups is more or less uniform. If a member is licked by a dog, he must kick it to ward off supernatural retribution. They were also used as a seal or symbol for covenant. It founded Tsevie, Be which later gave birth to Agoenyive, Bagida and Lome, Abobo, Wheta, Anlo, Klikor, Ave, Fenyi, Afife, Tsiame, Game, Tavia, Tanyigbe, and so on. 6.Aduana Clan. IvyPanda, 16 Sept. 2019, ivypanda.com/essays/the-akan-clan-system/. The other is Adzvia. Nana Yankyimadu of Akorokyere is their well known ancestor. The ancestors of the Aduana clan are said to have descended from heaven on a golden chain. 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. 3.Agona Clan. 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. Each of the 12 Ntoro patrilinealclans hasits peculiar family names. Together they form a legislative and executive body, and most importantly function as a judicial court. The Totem symbol of the Ekuona family is the Buffalo. Though each clan has a chief, he always takes into account viewpoints of other members of the clan. Clearly, each clan has certain history and distinctive features. The totem of the Agona people is the parrot hence their linguistic prowess. It is also the family from which the current Asantehene comes. Thus, they think members of the clan have a strong bond (Labi, 2009). Thus, the woman is the keeper of the family. I personally had to make some efforts before I was told the meanings of the totems used in the story. []. Cashew tree may not be used for firewood, and its nuts not to be eaten. 3. Violation of these taboos will result in rashes. If any totem animal is found dead its body must be covered with leaves or if possible given a burial.
When Did Robert Hastings Write The Station,
Moda Center Water Bottle Policy,
Dallas Radio Personalities,
Articles OTHER