Bodomo, A. They are also forbidden to use unprocessed sponge (kutsamado-gbedi). All these clans have their totem which can be regarded as something more than a spiritual symbol. As has been mentioned above, there are eight Akan clans. The morning star is placed inside a rotating wheel and the symbol gives out the meaning of love, harmony and faithfulness. At the same time, the father is the head of the family. There are Eight clans among the Akans they are; 1.Oyoko and Adako Clan. 2019. 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. The word totem or totemic is derived from Oode or Odoodem which refers to anything kinship-related to the Ojibwe language in North America. Your privacy is extremely important to us. 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. They must not use the following local trees as firewood: Aviatsi, Xe and Xetolia. It is, rather, a more efficient way to cope with this particular mode of life in which abstractions are rare, and in which the physical environment is in direct friction with the society. The chief is chosen among the best people of the clan. 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. The Asenie people believe their ancestors emerged out of the earth (Nkansa-Kyeremateng, 1996, p. 31). The Aduana Clan according to oral tradition are said to have been led by a dog with fire in its mouth. Taboos: Members of this clan are forbidden to eat their totem fish. The Akan people are divided into eight matrilineal clans (Nkansa-Kyeremateng, 1996). 4.Asona Clan. Heres what we know. African Totems & Kinship in African Culture | Wilderness Safaris This is the senior of the two royal clans. 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. It is also one of the oldest kingdoms of people in the country. Violation of the taboo will result in madness or your demise. The traditions and culture of this group are heavily . Nkansa-Kyeremateng, K. (1996). In some part of the western region, the symbol of the Oyoko clan is rat. These people are believed to be good at trade. The symbol of the Asona is the crow or wild boar. by The Oyoko clan is the clan in which the King of the Asante Monarch His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu ll hails from. I therefore decided to ask students of all levels of education and the responses were no different from the ones I had received. 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 child inherits courage, talents and wisdom from the father. This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. 3.Agona Clan. The Akan people believe that they originate from a common ancestor. How many clans are in Akan? When greeted by any member of this Abusua, your reply should be "Yaa etwie nana.". THE KING. They are usually a wild animal but can also be body parts like heart and lung, plants, a force of nature like rain or water, a reptile, fish, a bird or even an essential attribute for survival like power, as in a sword. Labi, K.A. 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. 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 Agona group arrived in Ghana in the middle of the 16th century. 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. professional specifically for you? When greeted their response is Yaa doku nana.The members of this clans peculiar character is uprightness. It is worth noting that the commander of the Asante army against Denkyira was the Mamponhene and in the past, generally, matters relating to war in Asante was the domain of the Mamponhene. Chiefs for these various towns are selected from clans, that is from the Womans family. People of the same Abusua share a common ancestor somewhere within their bloodline, which may go back as far as thousands of years. They are to be found in the Adanse area and their main towns are Akorokyere (Akrokere), Asakyiri Amansie, Ayaase, Obogu Nkwanta and Asokore. They are popularly referred to as Ogyaasefuo which means descendants of fire. The second group founded the settlements of Ho, Akovie, Takla, Kpenoe, Klevi, Sokode, Abutia and Adaklu. Ethnic Ga family names (surnames) include Nikoi, Amon, Kotey, Kotie, Adei, Kutorkor, Oblitey, Lartey, Nortey . They founded Ashanti Kingdom. The symbol of the Ekuona is the buffalo. "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. 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. 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. (2009). There are several Abusua that transcend the different ethnic subgroups outside of the ancient seven. Internet sites, including: AllAfrica.com, Africa-Express, The Ghanaian Times, WNC. Some settled in Dormaa while a section of them headed towards Akwamu. To Europeans, the animal (or plant) painted on a special background was known as a coat of arms. Some of the towns that belong to this Abusua are Ntonso, Bogyae, Pampaso, Obogu but the main towns are Nsuta, Dwaben and Kumasi. Totems: Leopard, Hippo, Dog, Crab, Raffia. In some societies, males and females from families or clans using the same totems are not allowed to marry, believing that they are blood relations. Ethnic traditional religion worshipers constitute 38% of the Gonja population. n.d.b. When a member of this Abusua greets you, your respond should be "Yaa adu nana.". They are the smallest clan amongst the Akan. 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. The Lae clan is regarded as the oldest of all the Anlo clans. The Asakyiri claim that they were the first to be created by God .Not much is known about the Asakyiri clan. Mitupo have been used by the Shona people since their culture developed. Their attitude towards the concepts of the family and clan unites them. The original clans from 'HOGBE' (Nortsie) were the. 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. It is said that more people generally, belong to the Asona than to any other abusua. The Tena-Bretuo modern states are Ashanti Mampong and Kwahu State. When greeted by a member of the Asona, the reply should be Yaa Ofori nana. The Akan tribe mostly has seven Abusua (Matrilineal clans) in each state. As has been mentioned above, the Akan people have a matrilineal system. Again, viewpoints of older members of the clan are seen as the most valuable. In most cases the totemic animal or plant is considered as an object of taboo. IvyPanda. Every Asante chiefdom is a distinct territorial unit centred on the chief's capital town or village. Descent is however traced patrilineally from the male children of the ancestress i. Taboos: Members of this clan are forbidden to destroy or eat totem animals. The falcon is the symbol of the Oyoko. Most of the people I interacted with were clueless about the meaning and how to respond to traditional family and clan greetings. Threatened and Recently Extinct Vertebrates of the World. 1 Issue 5 plant that serves as the symbol of a family or clan and often as a reminder of its ancestry. Most clans have have towns founded by their ancestors so each clan exercises authority over these towns. To American Indians, it was a totem. However, they also have a lot in common. Other towns of the Asenie are Antoa, Agona, Nkoranza, Wenchi, Atwoma, Kofiase, Abira, Baman, Denyase and Boanim. It is said that more people generally belong to [the Asona] clan than to any other clan. i is also believed to be of foreign origin. EDUCATIONAL IMPACTS Taboos: Never to kill or eat the flesh of a buffalo. 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. 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 social gatherings such as festivals, funerals, and other important celebrations, one would see these totems being displayed. [] Other towns of the clan are Ejura, Feyiase, Manso-Nkwanta, Bonwire, Atwima-Agogo, Abrakaso, Taabuom, Beposo, Toase, and Odumase (n.d.b.). 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. A map indicating the languages spoken in Ghana can be found at the following address: (24 May 2005). Researcher with the University of Hong Kong [Department of Linguistics]. The Clans of The Akan Tribe. - B 7.Ekuona Clan. Looking forward to fruitful visit to Ghana - Japanese PM. They also serve ascommemorative. Totem: The totem of the Biretuo Abusua is a Leopard. The Totem symbol of the Aduana clan is the Dog and Fire. Totem: The totem of the Aduana Abusua is a Dog. 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. Remarkably, there is a specific tradition to choose a chief. Oyoko clan usually dont intermarry even from different towns and villages. Their ancestors were warriors. 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. Members from this Abusua can mainly ne found in Amoafo, Effiduase and Mampong. Towns belonging to the Adako clan include Nsuta,Akokofe,Ntonso,Asaman,Adenko_Gyakye and Kontunase. In Zimbabwe the Mutupo (plural Mitupo) (wrongly called totems by colonial missionaries and anthropologists) are a system of identifying clans and sub-clans, which are named after and signified by emblems, commonly indigenous animals. Clan Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com 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. Some clans are constituted by brave warriors and others include skillful craftsmen. These various clans have their founding Fathers, Various totem animals they use to represent them,their mode of greetings,their peculiarities among others. They proceeded to Dormaa where they believe the flame is still kept alight. 2 policemen and civilian accomplice arrested for attempting to sell weapons, Nicole Sawada is Raymond Sawada wife Family, children, Canada universities, colleges, and schools that accept HND certificates, second class and 3rd class for Masters, Jen Corbin is Patrick Corbins Wife Bio, age, children, & other facts, Monica Quiros Alvarez: Bio, age, children, and Other Facts About Yordan Alvarez Wife, Who is Oscar Gonzalez Allarenja? In addition to that, at least 35 smaller towns in the Ashanti Region are ruled by Asona lineages. The other is Adzvia. Accra: Sebewie Publishers. The father is the breadwinner in the family. However, there are features which unite all Akan people. Volta Region: The Seven clans Of The Ewes. - Opera News 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? Rashes will result from violation of taboos. Akanba, M. (2010). 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. 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. One of the clans of the Fantes is the Aboradzi "Abusuakuw" and the branches of the Aboradzi clan includes Takyina. TOTEMISM: ITS INFLUENCE ON THE AKAN YOUTH OF GHANA. - Afribary 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. Hence, their totem is a dog with fire in its mouth (Nkansa-Kyeremateng, 1996). The totem of this group symbolizes bravery and even aggressiveness of these people. The peculiar characteristics of the Oyoko clan are Patience,Bravery and Statesmanship. The fifteen clans of Anlo include Lafe, Amlade, Adzovia, Bate, Like, Bamee, Klevi, Tovi, Tsiame, Agave, Ame, Dzevi, Vifeme, Xestofe, and Blu. Totem: A Parrot which signifies patience and forbearance is the emblem of the Anono "Abusuakuw" of the "Mfantsefo.". Taboos: Not to breed, handle or destroy a dog, Members are not to be licked by dogs. Violation of these taboos will result in rashes. Each chiefdom is composed of several matrilineages that are established on the basis of common matrilineal descent from a known female ancestor. Taboos: Not to destroy, touch or handle the leopard, or sit on its skin. These characteristic features affect social, political and economic spheres of the Akan people. Akans inherit and succeed matrilineal so you are what you mother is.For example if your Mother is from Asona and your Father is from Agona you are from Asona since inheritance by Akans is matrilineal. This is one of the Ghanaian Akan symbol that combines two different Adinkra signs to make one symbol. Since members of this clan trace their descent from ancestors in different places, their observations differ from place to place. 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. Thus, the Aduana group is one of the clans. (2019, September 16). 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. The Asakyuiri group is not numerous. 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. Still others believe that from Asumanya a section of the Aduana headed for Akwamu. ensure the integrity of our platform while keeping your private information safe. 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. September 16, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-akan-clan-system/. The other is Bate. This is not to say that the other Clans are not as powerful. These people believe their ancestors were refugees from Mande. If you are the copyright owner of this paper and no longer wish to have your work published on IvyPanda. The founder of this clan was Etse, twin brother of Atsu, founder of the Lae clan. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. []. 1996. Defeating the Ada People in a surprise attack and later gaining control of the Volta Lake, the Danish company set its eye on Anlo. Therefore it has become rare. Members must not be held by the ear and if held by mistake, the other ear must be held too. 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. This is the clan of all Ashanti Kings and the strong hold of the Akan tribe. In Anlo-Ewe society, funerals are taken seriously. When greeted by a person from the Bretuo, the reply should be "Yaa etwie nana". 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. Thus, the woman is the keeper of the family. It is also the family from which the current Asantehene comes. 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. IvyPanda, 16 Sept. 2019, ivypanda.com/essays/the-akan-clan-system/. In the coastal areas, the central region, the town of Mankessim is ruled by an Asona lineage. A very common totem in Ghana is currently extinct in several. Apart from its unique designs, the totems are communication channels that chiefs, families and communities use to communicate their identity to other people. Ebusuapanyin Ababio said totems could be classified into two main categories the family totem and the town or kings totem. Guan tribe: history, language, food, dance, festivals, facts The entire community known as Dogboawo lived together, each unit in its individual ward under its own head under the king. The Asona peoples totem is the crow. 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 therefore not surprising that Ghana has become the pinnacle of the African continent in many aspects due to its monumental cultural heritage. References This page was last edited on 7 June 2022, at 01:04 (UTC). [Accessed 26 May 2005] _____. Aboradzi One of the clans of the Fantes is the Aboradzi "Abusuakuw" and the branches of the Aboradzi clan includes Takyina. Copyright notice: This document is published with the permission of the copyright holder and producer Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB). 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. In some part of the western region, the symbol of the Oyoko clan is rat. Ye gye wo sen? the Twi-speaking would ask. 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. Having placed the said tree in the Garden of Eden, God declared the tree as sacred and therefore prevented man from eating from it. student. 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. 27 May 2005. The totem is usually an animal or other natural figure that spiritually represents a group of related people such as a clan. The totem animal of the Asenie clan is the Bat. The totems are seen as unifying symbols in most traditional areas which bind the people. Abusua - Wikipedia Taboos: Totem animal not to be killed, eaten or handled. The Akan people live in the coastal and forest areas of Ghana and Cte d'Ivoire. Totems are revered by members of a particular social group because of a mystical or ritual relationship that exists between them. When greeted their response is Yaa Obiri Nana. The coastal strip, which is sandwiched between the sea and the Keta Lagoon, makes Anloga an important fishing location, according to sources. Volta Region: Anlo clans and their Totems - Ewe Ghana [] It is said that more people generally, belong to [the Asona] clan than to any other clan. The matrilineal system of inheritance is very common when it comes to this tribe. In ancient Ghanaian societies, totems were used to summon people to the palace, wars, and funerals. 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). What are the Akan clans and their totems? - Wise-Answers
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