The Asakyiri claim that they were the first to be created by God .Not much is known about the Asakyiri clan. The Akan Clan System. Totem: Adzvia, a small brown perch-like fish related to Tilapia Melanopleura (Akpa). From this, he excludes mathematical thought, which operates primarily through logic. It founded the towns of Hohoe, Matse, Peki, Kpando, Awudome, Alavanyo, Kpalime, Agu, Ve, Kpedze and Wodze. The most endangered clan, family or tribal totems are the grey parrot, buffalo, tree hyrax, lion, crocodile and the aardvark. Asakyiri Abusua (Anona) and Oyokuo (Yokofo or Dehyena)are all Akan clans or families in Ghana. This clan has its totem to be a Plantain tree that supplies staple food and it signifies excellence and Ambition. These clans are represented with totems known in the Akan language as akyenaboa. The Ewe, meanwhile, hid an elder, Tegli, in a sacred grove to solicit ideas from him. IvyPanda. Other sources indicated that the Asona clan is present in Berekuso (The Ghanaian Chronicle 24 May 2005), Offinso and Edwenso (Accra Mail. It is forbidden to marry someone from the same clan as you. roto-rooter emergency; argentine actors in mexico; detroit pistons ticket deals. "Berekuso Black Stool Case Court Orders Return of Stool to Rightful Owners." The original clans from HOGBE (Nortsie) were the Kleviawo, Ameao, Lofeawo, Amladeawo, Bateawo, Vifemeawo, Bluawo and Adzoviawo. Lets begin with the most powerful among these clans. These people are believed to be good at trade. September 16, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-akan-clan-system/. The Ewe thus migrated from Ketu also called Amedzofe, a Yoruba town in modern Benin. [2] They make up 3.7% of the population of Ghana. The principal towns are Adansi Akrofuom, Kyebi, Edweso, and Offinso. The kinship is vested in two royal clans, the Adzovia and Bate whose local units at Anloga provide the Awomefia, adhering strictly to a rotary system.. 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. 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. Totem: The totem of the Aduana Abusua is a Dog. The first known woman of the Asenie Clan was Nana Ama Gyata who is said to have emerged from a cave at Bona Bon in Adansi. They are popularly referred to as Ogyaasefuo which means descendants of fire. The Ekuona clan were the first settlers in Adansi Fomena. The Aduana Clan according to oral tradition are said to have been led by a dog with fire in its mouth. One of these sub-divisions went to found a settlement on the eastern side of River Mono and called it Tado, according to accounts. The falcon is the symbol of the Oyoko. IvyPanda, 16 Sept. 2019, ivypanda.com/essays/the-akan-clan-system/. 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. 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). Ethnic Ga family names (surnames) include Nikoi, Amon, Kotey, Kotie, Adei, Kutorkor, Oblitey, Lartey, Nortey . 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. Totem: The totem of the Ekuona Abusua is a Buffalo. It is important to know that the taboo of the Asona is the red snake since the presence of it means death in the family. 1. 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. Agona Abusua, Asona, Asakyire, Biretuo, Oyoko, Asenie, Asakyire and Ekuona form the eight Abusua of the Akans, and the smallest among them is the Asakyire Abusua. Descent is however traced patrilineally from the male children of the ancestress i. The Akans of Ghana: Their history & culture. 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. In ancient Ghanaian societies, totems were used to summon people to the palace, wars, and funerals. 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. Vol. When greeted their response is Yaa doku nana.The members of this clans peculiar character is uprightness. The Akan people live in the coastal and forest areas of Ghana and Cte d'Ivoire. Totems which are artistically designed by experienced wood carvers and goldsmiths have several implications on ones ethnic identity. The Akans have eight Abusua or the family system and every member of the Asante tribe is a member of one of the Abusua and can trace their descent only through the female line to the same female ancestress who would invariably be the founder of the Abusua. Taboos: Never to kill or eat the flesh of a buffalo. 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. They are the mouthpiece of the clan, king or the community. 7.Ekuona Clan. Other towns of the Asakyiri are Abofuo, Aduanede, Abrenkese, and Apeadu.Their symbol is the vulture and eagle. Upon breaking the covenant with God, He pronounced a curse on man and man was taken out of the Garden of Eden. Some clans are constituted by brave warriors and others include skillful craftsmen. People of the same Abusua share a common ancestor somewhere within their bloodline, which may go back as far as thousands of years. They founded Ashanti Kingdom. The ancestors of the Aduana clan are said to have descended from heaven on a golden chain. They also make important decisions together. 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. Their totem is the hawk. 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. Their legendry ancestor, Atsu enya, was reputed to have led the Anlo on their migration to their present country. 5 No 2. Taboos: Totem animals may not be eaten or handled, not to use ka any piece of fishing net as sponge, not to eat a piece of egg azikak, not to eat dough prepared in aianu a wooden tray, penalty for violation is rashes. In most cases the totemic animal or plant is considered as an object of taboo. Their totem is the bat. Are you a Fante? Asakyiri claim that they were the first to be created by God. As has been mentioned above, there are eight Akan clans. The various clans are: Lafe, Tovi, Bame, Adzovia, Likei, Klevi and Amlade. 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. The eight clans are Oyoko, Bretuo, Agona, Asona, Asenie, Aduana, Ekuona, and Asakyiri. GhLinks Media Learn how and when to remove this template message, Changing Funeral Celebrations in Asanteman, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Abusua&oldid=1145161792, Gyekye, Kwame, An essay on African philosophical thought: the Akan conceptual scheme, 1995, This page was last edited on 17 March 2023, at 16:10. They also serve ascommemorative. They are ready to help each other. The eight [Asante] clans are Oyoko, Bretuo, Agona, Asona, Asenie, Aduana, Ekuona, and Asakyiri. 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. Please like, comment and share for more educative articles. The principal towns are Edweso and Offinso. This term paper on The Akan Clan System was written and submitted by your fellow The peculiar characteristics of Bretuo clan is exceptional bravery and aggressiveness.The Commander of the Asante army is the Mampong Hene. IvyPanda. Klev, is a small local bird which not to be eaten. Arlington Bank robbery suspect IDd By Police, Who is Craig Doyle Wife, Doon Doyle? [Accessed 20 May 2005], The Ghanaian Chronicle. 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. [Accessed 26 May 2005] _____. 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. These elements are Blood and Spirit .These elements are obtained from your Father and Mother. 25 May 2005. The closest family members are parents and siblings. 3.Agona Clan. 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. 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. 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. 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 are also forbidden to use unprocessed sponge (kutsamado-gbedi). Traditionally, the Anlo-Ewe have one supreme God, Mawuga Kitikata or simply Mawu. 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. They proceeded to Dormaa where they believe the flame is still kept alight. In Notsie, ca. the wishes of their parents and uncles, whereas in the villages the marriages tend to follow the traditional pattern more closely. 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). Cultural diversity in Ghana cannot be over-emphasised. I believe in following your instincts and saying No to all who do not believe in you. Again, viewpoints of older members of the clan are seen as the most valuable. Clan cults: Mama Tmi, Asimatsnu, anyevi, Afmabgetme. The totem symbol of the Asona clan is the Crow or Wild Boar. See more. The totem is any sacred object, a symbol or an emblem for a group of people, which functions as a reminder of the group's ancestry or mythical past (Goswami, 2018). (2009). Members from this Abusua can mainly ne found in Amoafo, Effiduase and Mampong. This is the only clan whose members claim descent from a woman. i is also believed to be of foreign origin. 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. The fact that totems in the Northern Sotho culture are slowly dying out could perhaps be ascribed to the negative impact . This is the official publishing account of https://www.ghlinks.com.gh/ for all general based post . Most of the people I interacted with were clueless about the meaning and how to respond to traditional family and clan greetings. "On Language And Development In Africa: The Case of Ghana." Akanba, M. (2010). The totem may be regarded as a group symbol and as a protector of the members of the group. Clearly, each clan has certain history and distinctive features. When greeted by a person from the Asakyiri, the reply should be "Yaa Ofori nana". The ruling families of Akim Abuakwa, Akuapem, and Kwahu Mpraeso in the Eastern Region also belong to the Asona clan. 3 October 1999. He suggested that for the current generation to learn the importance of the totems in our societies, teaching of culture with our local language should be included in the educational curricular. 1 Issue 5 plant that serves as the symbol of a family or clan and often as a reminder of its ancestry. The Akan people are divided into eight matrilineal clans (Nkansa-Kyeremateng, 1996). She told me that she didnt really know how to respond to the family greeting. The Akan is the most numerous ethnic group in Ghana. This is why they do not marry a person, who is from their clan, but have to look for their partners in other clans. The Denkyirahene is from the Agona clan. In some cases, people try to emulate or exhibit the qualities of their totems. The totems are seen as unifying symbols in most traditional areas which bind the people. It is important to note that the Akan people honor their ancestors and are proud of their roots. Some towns that belongs to this Abusua are Berekum, Abenkyem, Adanse Fomena and among others. 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. Clans have their ancestral shrines at Anloga except for the Xetsofe who have their shrine at Tsiame across the Keta Lagoon. When greeted by any member of this Abusua, your reply should be "Yaa etwie nana.". 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. When greeted, the reply should be "Yaa Doku nana". Importantly, cooperation within a family or between different families is very important for the Akan people. I personally had to make some efforts before I was told the meanings of the totems used in the story. In addition to that, at least 35 smaller towns in the Ashanti Region are ruled by Asona lineages. 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). GhanaWeb.com indicated that "dialects under [the Akan] group include the following: Agona, Akuapem Twi, Akyem, Asante Twi, Brong, Fante, Kwahu and Wasa. The totem of this group symbolizes bravery and even aggressiveness of these people. [] The constitution of the Republic of Ghana recognizes customary law and usage and thus such marriages are not illegal in Ghana (25 May 2005). Apart from its unique designs, the totems are communication channels that chiefs, families and communities use to communicate their identity to other people. This groups totem is the parrot. Aren't they? To American Indians, it was a totem. Researcher with the University of Helsinki [Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology]. 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 Your privacy is extremely important to us. Newborn Anlo Ewe boys are circumcised on the seventh day after their birth and also named on this day. The chief is chosen among the best people of the clan. Required fields are marked *. They also have social stratification of their ancestors. "The Akan Clan System." These various clans have their founding Fathers, Various totem animals they use to represent them,their mode of greetings,their peculiarities among others. Over the years, Ghanaians have continued to hold on to the traditions handed over to them by their ancestors. 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Their modern states are Akyem, Bosome, Dankyira and Kotoku. Other towns are Bekwae, Mamponten, Bogyae, Dadieso, Obogu, Asaaman Adubiase, Pampaso, Kontanase, Kenyase, and Ntonso . Some people of the Aduana Abusua believe that at the time of creation, their ancestors descended from the skies with a golden chain and others also believed that they originally came from Asumanye and they were led by a duiker with a flame in his mouth and gold in his cheeks. They believe their ancestors brought fire to people. When they die members of this clan have their faces covered with leaves of raffia specially woven. They are the smallest clan amongst the Akan. 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 people call it 'Ekusi ebusua' therefore members of this clan are called "Ekusifo" in some part in the Western region. The known ancestor of the Ekuona Clan is Nana Asante Gyima of Adanse.Other towns of the clan are Banjo,Kona,Asokore-Mampon,Brekum,Kokofu-Abuoso,Adumasa,Heman,Abenkyem and Dua -Yaw Nkwanta. The Akan Clan System. The Asona clan founded a number of kingdoms. She gave birth to Nana Dante and Nana Dufie Gyampontima. Their totem is the leopard. IvyPanda. They founded Ashanti Kingdom. Agona Clan is one of the eight major Akan 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. 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. 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. How many clans are in Akan? Generally, the members of the group believe that they are descendants from a totem ancestor, or that they and the totem are "brothers". It is also important to note that the Akan people have preserved their major traditions and beliefs. Totem: The totem of the Asona Abusua is a Crow. This is majorly because one of the clans sharing the totem maybe a group that broke off another to start an independent clan. Their totem is the hawk. Totem. Abor, Anyako, Keta, Weta, Afife, Flawu, Dzelukorfe, Avenor, Dzodze, Atorkor, Asadame, Woe, Vodza, Srorgboe, Kedzi, Tsiame, Atiavi and Alakple make up the list. When greeted by a person from the Bretuo, the reply should be "Yaa etwie nana". Violation of the taboo will result in madness or your demise. [] Other towns of the clan are Ejura, Feyiase, Manso-Nkwanta, Bonwire, Atwima-Agogo, Abrakaso, Taabuom, Beposo, Toase, and Odumase (n.d.b.). In Anlo-Ewe society, funerals are taken seriously. IvyPanda. The other is Bate. When greeted their response is Yaa Obiri Nana. 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. A map indicating the languages spoken in Ghana can be found at the following address: (24 May 2005). 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). We will write a custom Term Paper on The Akan Clan System specifically for you for only 11.00 9.35/page. One group settled in the northern part of the new home. The Lae clan is regarded as the oldest of all the Anlo clans. They are mainly found among the Fante but in Asante, their main towns are Adanse Fomena and Asokore. They are not to be licked by dogs. "The Akan Clan System." If any totem animal is found dead its body must be covered with leaves or if possible given a burial. Violation of this taboo will result in rashes. [Accessed 24 May 2005], GhanaWeb.com. 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. 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. 4. The Akan people believe that the family is the most important unit in the society. 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. They are not expected to look at any part of raffia in the morning. Content created and supplied by: Adesua_Gh (via Opera The different Abusua are the Agona (parrot), the Aduana (dog), the Asenie (bat), Oyoko (falcon/hawk), the Asakyiri (vulture), the Asona (crow), the Bretuo (leopard), and the Ekuona (bull). Children from the Womans side are considered to be royals whiles Children from the Mans family are not considered to be royals. 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 . Their ancestors were warriors. Totemism was a key element of study in the development of 19th and early 20th century theories of religion, especially for thinkers such as Emile Durkheim, who concentrated their study on primitive societies. Each of the clans have their own names by which the people are identified with. September 16, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-akan-clan-system/. 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. 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. However, there are features which unite all Akan people. "Aowin" is a branch of the Adwenadze Clan and this clan has its totem to be a sheet-fish of deep waters and what this signifies is an emblem of thoughtfulness according to the Adwenadzi clan. 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.
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