Info For You Lot Kwahu People: Ghana`S Hardworking Together With Business-Oriented Akan People
Kwahu or Kwawu people are hardworking in addition to famous business-oriented Kwa-speaking people that forms a subset of the larger Akan ethnic grouping living in the south-central Ghana, on the westward shore of Lake Volta. Kwahu people who speak a dialect of Akan linguistic communication called Twi in addition to live specifically inwards the mountainous Eastern Region of Republic of Ghana inwards the towns such equally Abene, Abetifi, Pepease, Atibie, Nkwatia, Obo, Bepong, Tafo, Akwasiho, Obomeng, Twenedurase, Nteso, Mpraeso, Asakraka, Aduamoa, Pitiko, Sadan, Burukuwa, Nkantanane, Ahinasie in addition to Donkorkrom. Macmillan in addition to Kwamena Poh (1965) described the wonderful climate of their mountainous town, Abetifi equally “… the Switzerland of West Africa, alongside nights equally cool equally May nights inwards Europe”. According to an associate professor at the Folklore Institute of Indiana University, the Kwahu are mountain-dwellers who are considered to live “wealthy …. really successful traders,.., who reside at the top of a mountain, a location which is somewhat removed from the other Akan groups” (Associate Professor of Folklore 5 Sept. 1999, 6, 10 Oct. 1999).
Kwahu elders inwards their traditional Akan stuff pouring libation to Nyame in addition to Asaaase Yaa (mother Earth) to commence Kwahu Paragliding
Kwahu people whose slogan is Asase Aban, Yεnte Gyae (Protectors of the Land, We don`t quit) in addition to also Oboכּ (Rock) or Oboכּba (Child of the Rock) are really famous for their industriousness in addition to uncanny entrepreneurial skills. Due to their powerfulness to spot upwards huge buildings in addition to numerous wonderful mansions alongside expensive in addition to advanced architecture on the mountains most people inwards Republic of Ghana usually accuse Kwahu people of indulging inwards ritual or blood money (sika aduro). Others say Kwahus usage Nziema Bayie or wizardry inwards making money business. For beingness small-scale in addition to beingness highly economical inwards whatsoever venture they undertake except business organisation that brings them to a greater extent than money, people stereotype them equally 'pεpεe' (misers).
Billionaire Kwahu Businessman in addition to founder of Ernest Chemist, Ernest Bediako Sampong at Kwahu Easter
Apart from their success inwards merchandise their annual Easter festivity celebration which has at nowadays been accepted equally component of their culture. The grandeur of the celebration of Easter inwards Kwahu has acquire legendary on the calendar of pop celebrations inwards Ghana; millions of people from all over the dry soil in addition to beyond throng the mountains simply to experience this uncharacteristic festival. 'The annual Kwahu Easter Festival has at nowadays acquire an omnibus lawsuit where all mode of people move to the top of the Kwahu Ridge to celebrate.'
paragliding on Kwahu mountains, showing the panoramic see of Nkwakaw
Kwahus usage red, dark in addition to white equally their colours. The blood-red represents the blood of their forefathers (ancestors) that was shed to salve Kwahuman. In see of this, blood-red (korbene) is used during funerals. The white inwards the flag signifies victory, which is unremarkably associated to pulverization or kaolin. It is also used for ceremonies similar birth, marriage, funerals for the aged, in addition to also for festivals similar adae inwards remembrance of their ancestors in addition to heroes. The color dark is also worn during funerals to mourn the dead.
Kwahu drummers at Easter paragliding ceremony
The logo or emblem adopted yesteryear Kwahu people has the next features: a stool, ii crossed tusks of an elephant, a background that depicts the mountains, light-green vegetation (forest) in addition to a edifice alongside a cross.
The ii elephant tusks that have got been crossed dot the political strength of Kwahu people. The stool is the spot of the paramountcy which represents the soul of the people. The mount depicts the mountainous part where the people live. The tree alongside light-green leaves shows the rich vegetation Kwahu people have. The solid indicates the short town of the Kwahus. The cross on top of the edifice signifies Kwahus dear for the give-and-take of God. hese are symbols that are used yesteryear the 4 (4) district capitals inwards Kwahu in addition to they are Kwahu South District (Mpraeso), Kwahu West (Nkawkaw), Kwahu East (Abetifi) in addition to Kwahu North / Afram plains (Donkorkrom).
Kwahu adult woman in addition to Chief Executive Officer of Breast Care International in addition to award-winning pectus cancer adept Dr. Beatrice Wiafe Addae
The symbol used at the royal solid of the paramount master copy is a stool alongside a leopard resting on it. This reveals that Kwahu dry soil is safe, good protected in addition to nobody tin can destroy it.
Kwahu people dancing
Geographical Background of Kwahu
Kwahu Traditional surface area is inwards the Eastern component of Ghana. It is located betwixt longitudes 1° West in addition to 0° 15 East in addition to betwixt latitudes 6°30 in addition to 7°15 North. Kwahu is at the mid-point from Accra to Kumasi on the high way. Kwahu shares a boundary alongside Asante Akyem South on the Northern part; Atiwa District is also on the Southern component of Kwahu in addition to Birim North which is also on the Western part.
Kwahu lies inside the Semi-Deciduous wood zone. The vegetation is dense inwards damage of tree coverage alongside most trees shedding off their leaves inwards the dry out season. Trees of economical value similar Odum, Wawa, Sepele, etc. are constitute inwards the forest. The wood is made of 3 layers namely the upper, middle in addition to lower layers. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 greater component of the natural vegetation has been altered due to man‟s activities on the land. The wood however, remains inwards their natural province inwards the v (5) reserve areas namely the Southern Scarp Forest, Oworobong South, Abisu, Northern Scarp West, Oworobong South, Northern scarp West in addition to Oworobong North Forest reserves. Together, the reserves comprehend a total of 37, 070 hectares of land.
Nkawkaw
The Afram, a tributary of the Volta, is the major river inwards the area. It forms Kwahu South district‟s northern border alongside the Afram Plains South District. Another important river is the Pra which takes its source inwards the area. Apart from these, at that spot are some other little rivers in addition to streams.
Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 relief which shows the variations inwards the top of the dry soil includes the plains which stretch from the southern Voltarian plateau. The variations hit from 60m to 150m higher upwards body of body of water level. The forest-dissected plateau consisting of a serial of escarpments, notably the Kwahu scarp rises from 220m to 640m higher upwards body of body of water level. The scarp has ii prominent mountains - Bruku in addition to Apaku, in addition to some other forest-dissected plateau consisting of the steep-sided Birimian rocks which ascent to heights upwards to 240m.(Ghana Meteorological Services, 2006)Kwahu dry soil is made upwards of valleys in addition to mountains that is, lowlands in addition to highlands inwards the region.
Nkwakaw township
Because Kwahu lies inside the moisture semi-equatorial part in addition to therefore, experiences a double rainfall pattern, average monthly relative humidity hit betwixt 75% in addition to 80% during the ii rainy seasons. Mean monthly temperature values, equally high equally 30oC, are often recorded betwixt the months of March in addition to April,
but this decline to 26oC inwards August. (Ghana Meteorological Services, 2006)Kwahu comes nether the influence of ii air masses, namely, the tropical maritime air volume (MT) in addition to the tropical continental (CT).
Mountainous Kwahu town of Nkwakaw
The one-time hits the district twice a twelvemonth thereby causing the ii rainy seasons from May to August, and
September to October. Between the months of Nov in addition to March, however, the district is affected yesteryear the tropical continental air masses making the surface area warm in addition to dry. (Ghana Meteorological Services, 2006)
The area‟s relatively higher height has a moderating influence on the local temperature. The plateau is relatively cool, an attractive constituent for foreigners, especially those from the temperate world. The Basel Missionaries recorded the next description nigh Abetifi‟s climate inwards 1885: “… the Switzerland of West Africa, alongside nights equally cool equally May nights inwards Europe”. (Macmillan in addition to Kwamena Poh, 1965)
Paragliding at Kwahu Easter festival inwards Nkwakaw
Language
Kwahu people speak an Akan Twi linguistic communication which is a Kwa linguistic communication belonging to the larger Niger-Congo phylum. Kwahus are Akan speaking people similar Ashantis, Akuapims, Akyems, Dankyera, Bono, Assin, Sefwi in addition to Fantis. Their Twi is slight departure inwards their linguistic communication equally compared to Ashantes, Akwapims in addition to Akyems.
Kwahu man child at Nkwakaw
Kwahus are fond of using the syllabi ( La), (hunu) in addition to the like. They are noted for ending their vocalisation communication in addition to pronouncing words ending alongside "La" sound. For instance, instead of "saa" the Kwahu ends it alongside Saala (that‟s it), yei ala (just this). This makes it distinctive or different from Akans, especially Obos who pronounce words inwards this way; on the Kwahu language.
Kwahu kids inwards a hamlet at Mpraeso
History
Majority of Kwahus migrated from Asante Kingdom from towns such equally Pampasi, Kuntunasi, Juaso, etc because of wars, misunderstandings in addition to other issues equally reflected inwards the formation of diverse townships inwards Kwahu. Kwahus kickoff settled on the mountains to seek for protection. This offered them chance to reckon their enemies whenever whatsoever grouping was nigh to set on them. They used to shroud inwards the valleys in addition to gyre stones/ rocks from the loma top against their enemies.
Kwahu 'Chief of Nkwatia-Okwawu'. Circa 1888
According to Asihene‟s (1996:22), “Kwahus migrated alongside Begoros in addition to have got sure as shooting historical in addition to artistic traditions inwards common.” Roy Sieber inwards his analysis of wood carvings based on Oral Traditions of Begoro revealed that “Kwahu Oral traditions tape a serial of migration which took identify nigh 1700 AD to the scarp of Kwahu on the surface area southward of Kumasi from Adanse during the reign of Ntim Gyakari who was in addition to so the manful somebody monarch of Denkyira (1695-99).
Nkansa –Kyeremanteng (2000: 36 in addition to 37) gave 3 (3) analyses in addition to perspective nigh the formation of Kwahu Townships. Kyeremanteng indicated inwards his write upwards that the movements of the 3 main Kingdoms are Kowu Kingdom, Akoawu Kingdom in addition to Kodiabε Kingdom. Most of these kingdoms were corrupted in addition to became Nkawkaw.
Ado-Kwame, Abetifi master copy at his palaver hall. Circa 31 December 1917
Kyeremanteng states that “Bepong was said to live a formidable Kingdom alongside heavily guarded mount passes. The fright the Kingdom evoked got its call “Kowu” which simply agency “go at that spot in addition to die”. The call Nkawkaw (Nkכּ-Kowu) was a alert to people approaching the Kwahu chiefdom”.
Kyeremanteng farther explains some other source nigh the historic formation of Kwahu, thus Akoawu Kingdom. He stated that Kwaw Baadu was a successor of Osei Twum, 1 of the nephews of King Ntim Gyakari of Denkyira. Kwaw Baadu sent his lookout adult man Kofabra to select a healthier site, for their short town at Anweam. Kofabra selected Bokuruwa. When he perished, Baadu his retainer renamed the healthier site
Akoawu which eventually got corrupted into Koawu/Kwawu.
Kyeremanteng continued to depict the tertiary chiefdom or dynasty equally Kodiabε. Tena - Bretuo grouping which is known to live Abene left Adanse to escape from Ntim Gyakari‟s oppressive rule. Some other clan companies (groups) who left Adansi included Nana Amaniampong, Nana Ameyaw (Mposo Frempong) in addition to Nana Adu Gyanemfi, founders of Asante Mampong, Asante Afidwase in addition to Asante Gyamase respectively.
Abene is the identify where the Royal spot of Kwahu is located. People from Abene claim to live the kickoff people to settle on the Kwahu land, which is inwards the valley. However, the people from Burukuwa claim to
live the royals of the dry soil since they said they were the kickoff grouping to uncovering short town on Kwahu land. Due to that at that spot has been rivalry betwixt people from Abene in addition to Burukuwa, inwards damage of the majuscule where the royal spot should be. The occupant of Kwahu stool is from the Bretuo clan.
Dwellers from Kwahu settled on the mount to seek for protection in addition to because of that the people formed a slogan known equally Asase Aban, Yεnte Gyae (Protectors of the Land, We don`t quit). The other slogan for Kwahu people is Oboכּ (Rock), in addition to their response is Oboכּba (Child of the Rock).
Kwahus were never conquered inwards wars yesteryear whatsoever ethnic group. Almost all the wars recorded inwards Kwahu history were brought downwardly from the original settlers in addition to warriors from other ethnic groups who needed novel settlements equally they fled from their ancestral homes due to dangerous weather condition arising from disputes, bad climate in addition to other adventurous necessities. The people had to aspect for novel in addition to conducive settlement.
Kwahu Abetifi chief`s compound. Circa 1888
Economy
Kwahus are known inwards Republic of Ghana for their hardworking nature in addition to entrepreneurial skills. In damage of agriculture, they engage themselves inwards farming, hunting in addition to fishing.Agriculture is 1 of the dominant occupations apart from commerce, amidst Kwahu people. Farmers move long distances to brand farms inwards the most fertile lands on their mountainous habitat. Ghana`s Ministry of Food in addition to Agriculture inwards its 2006 study indicated that nigh 52.6% of the adult population inwards Kwahu are mainly engaged subsistence farming. Most of the
farmers do non usage modern technology scientific discipline inwards farming. They usually usage uncomplicated farm tools such equally hoes in addition to cutlasses inwards their farm work. There are other businessmen who also engaged inwards commercial farming using ultra-modern farming implements.
Kwahu people grow cash crops in addition to nutrient crops such equally cocoa, palm trees, yam, caasava, cocoyam, maize in addition to vegetables. Kwahu is amidst 1 of the leading districts that produces nutrient crops inwards the country. Some of the leading crops include yam, maize, coffee, kola, cocoyam, plantain, vegetables in addition to tiger nuts. The Kwahu wood reserves are used to make Timber for export.
Fishing is mainly done yesteryear quite a smaller grouping of people from Kwahu. This cast of line of piece of work is usually done at Kwahu North district, especially those inwards Afram Plains.
Alisa hotel inwards Accra owned yesteryear Kwahu human being Kwame Ofosu Bamfo,above
Food
The major staple nutrient for Kwahu people is fufu, since plantain, cassava, cocoyam, yam in addition to H2O yam are inwards abundance inwards the region. They pound fufu alongside whatsoever of the crops mentioned above. Usually, the people prefer yam in addition to cocoyam when pounding fufu.
Kwahu people usually consume fufu alongside whatsoever other soup since diverse vegetables are available inwards their locality, for instance groundnut, palm fruit, in addition to some flora go out such equally kontomire. Kwahus usually prefer light-green leafy vegetable soup that is Abunabun. Other types of nutrient for Kwahus include ampesi, mpctcmpctc also known equally mpihu or nyoma which is a favourite nutrient for Akuapems.
Kwahu people prefer bush meat including grass cutter (akranteɛ), bat (Ampan) snails, crabs especially the little ones
Kwahu women cooking food
Inheritance
Kwahu people usage the matrilineal system. In Kwahu an private is jump to his mother‟s family. It is believed that the blood comes from the mother. The people inherit the uncle‟s belongings (wofa adeε). Most people rely on their uncles‟ wealth.
Kwahu hemaa
Puberty for Girls
Kwahus also perform Bragoro (puberty rites) similar other Akan societies. It used to live an offence for a immature adult woman to acquire pregnant without going through the initiation rites known equally Bragoro. Those who are non able to exceed through the initiation rite in addition to acquire pregnant perform purification rites known equally Kyiribra after which she is expelled from the town.
In Kwahu the puberty rite is performed for girls after their kickoff menstruation/ menstrual period. The immature adult woman is examined physically to banking concern check if she is non pregnant. She is taken attention of yesteryear an elderly adult woman who has non experienced decease of a kid before, to educate her on personal hygiene, dwelling solid management, sexual practice education, cooking in addition to the like. The immature adult woman is made aware that she is at nowadays matured.
The immature adult woman is quarantined for some days. They bathroom her in addition to pomade is smeared on her body. The immature adult woman is given mashed yam (εto) in addition to some eggs. After the initiation she is sent dwelling solid in addition to moves from solid to solid to greet friends in addition to dear ones who also give her gifts.
Cultural values derived from puberty rite for girls is enormous. It is a sign of respect, trustworthiness, obedience, humility equally good equally unify the immature girls. The girls are decorated alongside kaolin white clay on their bodies which is an aspect of body fine art in addition to at times the designs are made out of combs, circular shapes or fingers.
Also they are richly decorated alongside diverse ornaments such equally beads which are worn to a greater extent than or less their necks, hands, waist in addition to legs. The girls are also dressed inwards a prissy kente stuff which is a textile production showing slap-up reverence in addition to honour brought onto the identify unit of measurement yesteryear the girl. They are gorgeously dressed to aspect similar queens. The earthenware which is made yesteryear the potter is used for preparing the squeeze yam alongside the assistance of the grinder tapole.
The participants are given gift items such equally clothing, jewellery, doll, stool, cooking utensils equally good equally diverse artefacts. They were taught diverse vocations similar cooking, farming, dwelling solid management. Examples of items of farming include hoes, cutlass in addition to other sculptural forms.The whole episode or activity is dramatic in addition to it is usually accompanied alongside music, trip the lite fantastic in addition to drama. Orally, the girls are been advised in addition to educated, using
proverbial sayings in addition to other agency of communication. Libation is poured equally a sign of prayers for the girls, to appease the spirits in addition to ancestors to bless them alongside to a greater extent than children.
Nana Yeboah Afari Obuagyan II, Obohene in addition to Nifahene of Kwahu Traditional Area
Marriage
In the past, most parents betrothed their daughters earlier they were old plenty to marry. Nowadays, parents who select partners for their children seek the children‟s consent first. In some cases too, the immature people brand their ain choices in addition to inform their parents. It is the customary do for a human being to seek the hands of a adult woman inwards marriage. In most communities it is a taboo for a adult woman to suggest dear in addition to marriage
to a man.
In our traditional set-up, matrimony involves the human being in addition to the adult woman concerned equally good equally their families. Before the marriage, most families seek to investigate each other‟s identify unit of measurement background. They do this to uncovering out if at that spot is anything that volition foreclose a successful marriage. They investigate to uncovering out answers to questions such equally these:
a) Are they non relatives or from the same clan.
b) Are at that spot whatsoever communicable or hereditary diseases similar tuberculosis (T.B.), leprosy, insanity or epilepsy inwards the family?
c) Had at that spot been whatsoever criminal record, e.g. murder or stealing?
d) Is the identify unit of measurement quarrelsome?
e) Is the adult woman lazy?
f) Can the human being aspect after a wife?
It is only after both families are satisfied alongside their investigations that the matrimony tin can live allowed. In all communities inwards Kwahu, at that spot is the custom of giving gifts to the bride‟s family, especially the girl‟s mother. There is also a presentation of drinks in addition to an amount of money, but the money involved differs from community to community.
The gifts to the bride‟s identify unit of measurement yesteryear the bridegroom present his gratitude for allowing their immature adult woman to live component of his, the bridegroom‟s family. The customary drink, the ti-nsa(head wine) of the Akan which is presented yesteryear the bridegroom seals the marriage. When at that spot is a divorce, arbitration decides whether a bride-wealth paid yesteryear the bridegroom should live returned to him or not.
Types of Marriage
Traditionally Recognised Marriage (Adehyeware): This is a type of matrimony that is mostly recognized yesteryear Akans. Here, the human being goes through the proper channel in addition to performs the customary rites to acquire a adult woman as
his wife. In this type of marriage, if 1 goes exterior the matrimony to have got sexual practice alongside other people, the other partner tin can claim compensation for such an act. This is known equally ayefare.
Suitor/Courting (Mpena Warε): This is also a type of matrimony where a human being has non gone to reckon the identify unit of measurement of a lady to perform the necessary customary rites but lives alongside her equally his wife. This is non endorsed yesteryear Akans but some couples inwards this category go to the extent of having children. If a partner dies, the other volition non live made to go through a rite known equally Kuna (widowhood rite).
Next Of Kin’s Marriage (Kuna Aware): This is a province of affairs where a adjacent of kin (the dead person‟s relative) marries a adult woman whose hubby has died. The adjacent of kin tin can get married his brother‟s married adult woman in addition to take
responsibleness of the adult woman in addition to her children if he so wishes. If the widow has already gone through such a thing twice, the human being (next of kin) would non live permitted to perform the customary rite. The adjacent of kin tin can only get married the widow after she has mourned her hubby for a year, but if the widow does non want to get married again, it is permitted. If the widow agrees to marry, the adjacent of kin performs fresh customary rites to nullify the old matrimony in addition to seal the novel one.
Slave Marriage (Afena Aware): This variety of matrimony is no longer inwards existence in addition to it faded over a century agone amidst Akans. This is a type of matrimony that takes identify betwixt a rich somebody or a master copy in addition to his slave or house-help. In this marriage, the human being does non perform whatsoever customary rite to the slave‟s identify unit of measurement but they maintain to have got children in addition to they are called ofie nnipa amidst Akans. Such children are sometimes used for sacrifices if the demand arises. If the lady/slave goes exterior the matrimony to have got sexual practice alongside some other man, the master copy /the hubby may claim compensation from the slave but if the human being does the opposite, the slave cannot claim whatsoever compensation.
Awowa Aware: If a identify unit of measurement owes somebody heavily in addition to cannot pay the money, they tin can give their immature adult woman to such a creditor to get married till they are able to pay all the money. If it happens that the human being finds this retainer attractive, he tin can get married her without performing the customary rites. But if her identify unit of measurement is able to pay off the debt, the human being may live asked to perform the customary rites to brand it a proper marriage. The lady tin can go out the human being if she does non dear him in addition to takes the children alongside her
Bethrotal Marriage (Asiwa Aware): This is a type of matrimony where a grown upwards human being proposes to a immature lady or a kid (girl). Here, the human being spends his fourth dimension in addition to resources on the girl. He buys clothes, gives her money in addition to virtually does everything for her. When the lady comes of age, the human being goes ahead to perform the necessary rites in addition to takes the lady equally his wife.
Ayεtε/Nsiananmu: It is also a type of matrimony where a lady from the deceased wife‟s identify unit of measurement is given to a human being to get married equally a replacement if his married adult woman dies. This may laissez passer on off if the identify unit of measurement of the lady finds some special qualities inwards the man. This unremarkably takes identify if the married adult woman of a master copy or a paramount master copy of Kwahu dies. Another province of affairs that tin can warrant this type of matrimony is where the married adult woman of a master copy becomes an old lady.
Kwahu Traditional Wedding
A man, who wishes to marry, kickoff discusses his intentions alongside the immature adult woman concerned. He has to brand sure as shooting the immature adult woman volition concur to get married him earlier he informs his parents. Finding out through hugger-mugger meetings if they volition get married is known equally kasasie. The human being in addition to so tells his woman parent or an elderly somebody nigh his intentions. His woman parent or the elderly somebody volition inwards plow inform his father. If the woman parent feels that the marriage
volition non live possible for some reasons, she volition discourage him. When the begetter agrees, an investigation volition at nowadays start into the girl‟s behavior in addition to identify unit of measurement background.
When the boy‟s parents are satisfied, the begetter through a delegation, informs the girl‟s parents nigh his son‟s intention. It is the boy‟s begetter who contracts the marriage. This data is known equally kokooko (knocking ceremony). The proclamation is made alongside a pot of palm vino or a bottle of schnapps. Some amount of money is added to the drink. The amount paid differs from community to community. The human being may add together some extra money to whatever custom demands. This is usually to print his-in-laws that he tin can truly aspect after their daughter. In some communities, this money is regarded equally a (token gift) for the girl‟s
mother.
The girl‟s parents enquire them to go dorsum in addition to come upwards afterward for an answer. This enables them to uncovering out if their immature adult woman agrees to the marriage. They also investigate the boy‟s behavior in addition to identify unit of measurement background. When they are satisfied, a give-and-take is sent to the man‟s identify unit of measurement to come upwards forward. It is the custom for a begetter to pay for the matrimony expenses of a son. But these days, most immature men give the money to their fathers for the matrimony rites.
The begetter sends a message to the girl‟s parents to inform their maternal relatives to send their representative to the ceremony. On the appointed date, the man‟s begetter sends a delegation to perform the rites. The of import component of the ceremony is the offering of drinks known equally tiri nsa (head drinks). In the past, it used to live palm wine, but at nowadays it is schnapps. The tiri nsa traditionally seals the marriage. Some money is added to the drink. The amount of money given differs from community to community. There is also a customary fee charged to live given to the girl‟s mother. Her brothers also are given some money known equally akontagye sekan. Before the payment of the customary drinks in addition to the fee, the girls formally called earlier the gathering to give her lastly consent to the marriage.
After accepting everything equally custom demands, the caput of the girl‟s identify unit of measurement pours libation call for for protection an d blessings for the novel couple. He also prays that the matrimony should live blessed alongside children. The balance of the potable is shared amidst all the people nowadays to signify that they all witnesses to the marriage. Pieces of advice are in addition to so given to the couple. The human being tin can in addition to so prepare a twenty-four hours to take his married adult woman into
his house.
Another of import rite which tin can live performed on the same twenty-four hours or at whatsoever fourth dimension inwards their married life is the amount of money which is known equally ti-aseda or ti-ade paid to the girls family. This is what mightiness live showing the man‟s appreciation to the girl‟s identify unit of measurement for giving their immature adult woman to him. In the past, the girl‟s identify unit of measurement used
this amount to pay whatsoever debt inwards the family. They believed that using that money to pay such a identify unit of measurement debt would give her the peace of hear to savor her married life. Where at that spot was no such debt, it was used to purchase some property, e.g., a dry soil or a farm for her in addition to her hereafter children. If at that spot was divorce, the hubby could claim the ti-aseda or ti-ade from the wife‟s family.
The bridegroom sends a pot of palm vino or a bottle of schnapps to the bride‟s begetter for permission to take away his wife. The caput of identify unit of measurement pours libation alongside it in addition to blesses the pair again. On reaching her husband‟s home, the hubby provides her alongside nutrient items to prepare a special repast for relatives, friends in addition to other dignitaries present. This special repast is known equally csεnka or aduane kεse (wedding feast). It is a matrimony feast which is followed yesteryear jubilation. Traditionally, the csεnka was prepared inwards the bride‟s dwelling solid in addition to sent to the bridegroom‟s solid where it was shared amidst relations in addition to friends.
Divorce
When 1 wants to divorce 1 demand to sit down downwardly alongside the elders of both families in addition to say the argue why that somebody wants to break/stop that marriage. The elders of both families encounter to uncovering if it is necessary for them to settle the number that brought the misunderstanding inwards the marriage. When it fails the somebody who volition refuse
to get married volition pay compensation. But mostly the men do non allow the women to pay; rather, they say allow her go if she wants to go.
Grounds for divorce are adultery, fighting, quarrel in addition to accusation of beingness a witch. The somebody who breaks the matrimony volition provide the Kεtεasehyε (money) in addition to so the manful somebody representative volition collect sand or ash in addition to throw it on the feet of the woman. This is locally known equally wagu no hyire.
Traditional Authority construction inwards the Kwahu traditional area
Kwahu Traditional authorization construction follows the Akan (Asante) traditional scheme where each town inside the province play administrative in addition to conflict/war roles. The spot of paramountcy is from Abene, where the majuscule is located in addition to they are from the etena/ bretuo clan. Hweehwee in addition to Dwerebeas are newly created Towns; they remain alongside the master copy in addition to offering the necessary assistance.
Twafo of the Asona clan inwards Kwahu guarded yesteryear Kwahu Tafo, serves equally lookout adult man in addition to are inwards accuse for planning activities for the diverse fly chiefs. In times of conflict or state of war alongside other ethnic groups, it is Twafo who mount or map upwards strategies in addition to direct the groups equally to where in addition to how they are to move. Administratively, if at that spot is whatsoever message to live carried across, it goes straight to the Twafohene.
The Adonten Division is the kickoff grouping to protect the paramountcy. Twafo division, which is atomic number 82 yesteryear Kwahu Tafo in addition to so informs Adontenhene in addition to directs the Adonten Division which is from Abetifi, followed yesteryear Bokuruwa, Aframanso in addition to Sadan respectively. They are from the Agona clan.
If at that spot should live whatsoever conflict or war, which requires the protection of the paramountcy, the Twafo segmentation is the kickoff grouping to human activity yesteryear carrying instructions in addition to directions to the other Divisions. They in addition to so go alongside Bokuruwa, Aframanso in addition to Sadan. But if at that spot should live whatsoever message or administrative role, the Adonten segmentation which is atomic number 82 yesteryear Abetifihene volition have the message in addition to send it to Bokuruwa through Aframanso, thence to Sadan group.
Sanaa Division is from the Asona clan in addition to is led yesteryear Nkwatia. It is mainly inwards accuse of treasury in addition to finance activities. If at that spot should live whatsoever contribution or whatsoever fiscal matters nigh the Kwahu Traditional Council, the Sanaahene becomes straight responsible. He keeps the treasury of the Omanhene.
Nifa Division which is an aspect of the fly master copy is led yesteryear Obo, followed yesteryear Obomeng, Bepong, Asakraka, Pitiko, Dantey, Nkawkaw, Kwahu Praso inwards that monastic tell in addition to are responsible of the correct manus side of the throne. They constitute the Aduana clan in addition to have got a Canis familiaris alongside burn downwardly emitting from the oral fissure equally its totem. They are mandated to protect the correct side of the paramountcy base of operations on the instructions in addition to directions issued from the Twafo Division.
Gyaase Division which belongs to the Oyoko clan is also been led yesteryear Atibie.Administratively, they take attention or protect the Omanhene in addition to have messagesdirectly from the master copy or from someone who has been sent yesteryear the Omanhene to deliver a message. After receiving the message the master copy of Atibie in addition to so passes it on to
the master copy of Jejeti.
The adjacent segmentation is led yesteryear Pepease followed yesteryear Twenedurase, Nteso, Ahinase in addition to Nkwantanang inwards that monastic tell who all constitute the Kyidom segmentation in addition to are from the Ekona clan. They protect the spot of paramountcy that is the Omanhene of Kwahu Traditional surface area when Benkum Division, Nifa Division in addition to Adonten Division are away. They take comprehend in addition to also send re-enforcement to aid the 3 divisions.
Kyidom is referred to equally the render unit. In damage of direction in addition to relay of messages, the kyidom segmentation receives data through the Pepeasehene who is the caput of Kyidom Division. He in addition to so passes the data on toTwendurase, Nteso, Ahinnase in addition to Nkantang master copy respectively.
Akwasiho is also nether Kyidom segmentation according to data gathered.
They back upwards the Gyaasehene to aid protect the Omanhene in addition to all who assist the Omanhene. Administratively the Akwasiho master copy who has been raised to the same bird equally Gyaasehene helps to render data to the balance of the fly chiefs who afterward send it to their subordinate chiefs.
Customs in addition to Tradition
The Family (Abusua)
The identify unit of measurement scheme is really wide, that is the extended traced through blood relation. It includes the living, the dead in addition to those who are yet to live born. This usually forms the identify unit of measurement genealogy. This has made it possible for an private to acquire a social being. The identify unit of measurement scheme amidst Kwahus include: children (mma), parents
(awofo), grandparents (nananom) in addition to slap-up grandchildren nanakansua, uncles (wofanom) in addition to aunties (nakuma), napayin in addition to nephews (wofaasenom). The identify unit of measurement scheme inwards Kwahu controls societal relations betwixt people inwards a given society. It does non allow 1 to get married a unopen relative.
The caput of the identify unit of measurement inwards Kwahu is called Abusuapanyin in addition to his spokesperson is called Abusua Kyeame. Fathers are known to live heads of families when it comes to the nuclear system. In Kwahu one‟s father‟s blood brother is also considered equally his or her father. The children telephone band their father‟s sisters equally sewaa, on the other manus the mother‟s brothers are known equally uncles wofa. The mother‟s sisters are known equally napayin. Napayin is the eldest woman parent in addition to Nakuma, youngest mother.
When 1 gets married to a somebody inwards a especially family, the parents of the spouse in addition to so acquire in-laws (nsew). The man‟s brothers telephone band their brothers‟ wives equally their wives in addition to telephone band the wife‟s blood brother equally akonta. The sisters telephone band their brothers‟ wives equally nkuma. The scheme made it possible for a somebody to literally have got many fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, brothers in addition to sisters. The kinship systems fifty-fifty extend to comprehend the “living–dead” in addition to the yet to live born children.
The family/kinship scheme has made it possible for the prevention in addition to solution of conflicts, disputes betwixt members of the same identify unit of measurement which is usually presided over yesteryear the identify unit of measurement head. The identify unit of measurement acts equally an insurance scheme to support/assist the private inwards times of need. When 1 suffers 1 does non endure lone but alongside the entire family. When he rejoices he or she rejoices alongside his kinsmen.
Kwahu Totemism
The clan scheme inwards Kwahu has some mutual features similar whatsoever other ethnic groups. The identify unit of measurement has a vertical scheme which stretches vertically to include the totemic spirits, identify unit of measurement spirit in addition to the likes. In this way the identify unit of measurement performs rituals to maintain the human relationship alongside their deities (spirits). The clan has some animals or plants which are regarded equally having special human relationship alongside the clan. The totem is a visual symbol that mostly unifies the clan. Members of the clan usually regard these totems.
The Totem of the Bretuo Clan: The leopard is a visual symbol that is used to stand upwards for the Bretuo clan. It is believed that a leopard 1 time turned to a human being in addition to got married to a woman. The leopard did non settle permanently alongside the woman. The adult woman in addition to so complained of frequent movements (mabrε ne otuo). This was corrupted to Bretuo. Another saying was that, the call originated equally a resultant of people who were fond of picking mushrooms which became mire tufuo which was also corrupted to Bretuo.
The Bretuo identify unit of measurement were Akusiase Agosum in addition to his sis Asiama Nyame. Other elders include Tutu Kwa in addition to Antwi Kurufa Daaduam. The Tena siblings afterward joined this identify unit of measurement at Kububiase (Ahensan inwards the Ashanti Region). Initially they settled at Pra, Ofe, Oda river Basins, Ayaase in addition to afterward settled at Mampong in addition to Seniagya. In Kwahu, the Bretuo clan settled at the next areas: Abetifi, Twenedurase, Pepease in addition to Nteso.
* The Totem of the Aduana Clan : The totem for the Aduana clan is a dog, alongside burn downwardly inwards its oral fissure or emitting burn downwardly from its mouth. It was this animate beingness (dog) which led them to their settlement. They highly regard the dog, in addition to anything that they say often comes to pass. It is believed that their oral fissure is supposed to send burn downwardly (won ano yε gya).
The next are curses when it is performed or done yesteryear an Aduana. That is when they go naked earlier an pismire loma in addition to also when an Aduana squats in addition to sneezes 3 times against an pismire hill.In Kwahu the Aduana settled at Obomeng, Pitiko, Obo in addition to Bepong. The Aduana take hold the business office of Fotosanfoc hene inwards the Kwahu traditional area.
*The Totem of the Asona Clan: The totem for Asona is the crow (kwaakwaadabi) or (Anene). It was mentioned that a gongong was beaten to denote the decease of Nana Onyankopcn in addition to they needed someone or a clan to go in addition to wake him up. The crow went to where Nana Onyankopon was in addition to started shouting Kwame, Kwaame! (God‟s name). Another clan said to the crow, allow ears balance (momma or ma aso nna) which was corrupted to Asona.
It is claimed that component of the Asona came from the Buno kingdom, Adanse Ayaase, Mankessim in addition to Abuakwa (Akyem Ahwenease). In Kwahu, they settled at Mpraeso in addition to Pepease. The Kyidom stool has been inwards favour of the Asona clan that is the post service of the master copy spokesman of the Asona clan. This has e'er been to the Asona clan from Pepease.
*The Totem of the Asakyiri Clan: The vulture (cpεtε) is the totem for the Asakyiri. It is claimed that Asakyiri in addition to Asona were brothers in addition to sisters siblings in addition to were known equally Asona ne Akyiri which was corrupted to Asakyiri. Asakyiri followed Asona in addition to settled at Bono Manso. The women adopted the vulture equally their totem in addition to the males (men) also adopted the vulture equally their totem equally they were calm, peace-loving. Later they accepted the vulture equally a symbol for the whole clan.
The Asakyiri is said to have got migrated from to a greater extent than or less Lake Republic of Chad to the Bono state, in addition to and so founded Akyerεkyerε province alongside the majuscule at Fomate. The leader was Asone Nyansa. He made his people acquire craft. They were defeated in addition to annexed yesteryear Dankyira.
*The Totem of the Agona Clan: The totem alongside which the Asona clan is associated is the parrot (Ako) which is noted for its fluency. Probably that mightiness live the argue why Agonas are fluent inwards their speech. It is highly hard to reckon an Agona who is dumb/ cannot talk.It is noted that Agonas hailed from Dankyira during the reign of Ntim Gyakari in addition to also from the Ayokoc of Asante. There was a state of war betwixt Agonas of Dankyira
in addition to Ayokoc of Asante equally a resultant of Osei Tutu who was the Ayokohene, cutting off an ear each of the toll- collectors of Dankyira.
Kofi Agyei, who was popularly known equally Okomfo Anokye, was in addition to so the master copy priest (traditional) who commanded Ntim Gyakari to sacrifice a fair lady equally a sign of victory over the Asantehene (the King of Asantes). Unfortunately the adult woman (fair lady) that they sacrificed was afterward discovered to live ckomfo Anokye‟s ain woman parent who was used for the ritual. Okomfo Anokye in addition to so turned against Dankyiras in addition to supported the Asante state. This fourth dimension he said a leader or a full general should offering himself to live shot equally a sacrifice. The human being who offered himself was Tweneboa Kodua. Because of the sacrifice, at that spot is a saying that Kodua de ne ti agye Asante-man.
Ntim Gyakari was unaware in addition to thought victory was almost his so he was released in addition to was playing a draft (oware) alongside his married adult woman Gyamea when some slaves used to entertain them. These slaves had component of their bodies chopped off especially their noses, eyes, ears, flesh of their arms in addition to their haunch backs removed. They played music in addition to danced to entertain the King.
It was at that spot that the King was attacked in addition to beheaded. The caput was taken to Kumasi equally a sign of victory. The Asante manful somebody monarch stepped on the caput equally a footstool. This saw the decline of the Dankyira province in addition to the consequent ascent of the Asante Kingdom. The Agonas are the occupants of the Banmu stool. Through matrimony some Agonas of Asantes in addition to other ethnic groups in addition to Bukuruwa, which is at nowadays a province at Kwahu came to settle at Kwahu.
*The Totem of the Asene / Asenie Clan: The totem associated alongside the Asene clan is Apan (the bat) which is their totem. According to Koranteng (1997:45), the Aseneε clan was founded at Amakom. They were the adjacent minute grouping that got settled at Kwahu after the Aduana. As warriors their appellation is Aseneε kodi Adcnten. In times of wars the Aseneεs are the scouts, they follow the Twafo group. They are e'er at the left in addition to correct wings at wars.
Aseneε migrated from the Northern component of Burkina Faso in addition to built Peminiase in addition to other component founded Amakom. Some of the Aseneε clan inwards Kwahu kickoff settled at Kεsepcn, Tutuso in addition to Abetifi. Others went to
settle at Aboaso, Baman in addition to Agona. But through matrimony in addition to migration the Aseneεclan tin can at nowadays live constitute inwards other parts of Kwahu.
*The Totem of the Ayokuo/Oyoko Clan: The totem that is associated alongside the Ayokoc clan is the Hawk (csansa) which is noted for its rapacity. There is an adage which says that Osansa fa adeε a כּde kyerε
amansan. It tries to exhibit its braveness yesteryear showing whatever it picks to the world yesteryear lifting it high. The Ayokoc clan is forbidden to consume Buffalo (εkoc) but inwards the past, during a severe famine, they were compelled to consume it. They were been laughed at for eating buffalo, which they were non supposed to eat. The people used to say Awe-εkocfo which has been corrupted to Ayokofoa. The Ayokuo clan from Kuntunasi inwards Kumasi during the state of war were the kickoff to settle at Atibie Kwahu.
Koranteng (1997:45), farther stated that some other grouping from Kumasi also migrated from Juaso to Pepease inwards Kwahu. There was a misunderstanding betwixt the in addition to so Asante King Nana Opoku Ware I in addition to Nana Frimpong Manso of Dampon who ruled component of Kwahu, Akyem in addition to Asante. The people got married in addition to also migrated to other parts of Kwahu. In Kwahu the Ayokuo take hold the business office of Gyaase.
*The Totem of the Ekuona Clan: The totem for Ekuona clan is Buffalo εkoc. It simply agency Massiveness. Once 1 time to a greater extent than Koranteng (1997:47) wrote that „it was a hunter who discovered a herd of buffalo εkoc which turned themselves into human beings‟.The hunter became interested inwards 1 of the woman somebody buffalos in addition to took its hide. When they were nigh to return, 1 of the females could never uncovering her hide. The hunter finally came out from his hide-out when the animals left, in addition to took the animate beingness adult woman for a wife. The descendants thus called themselves Εkocnafo
It is believed that the Εkocna clan originated close Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya in addition to also Kokofu at Bugyeikrom. The Εkocna clan founded Fomena during the reign of Nana Ntim Apau in addition to Bantua who was in addition to so the queen woman parent of Fomena. The Εkocna clan founded Asckcre, Otikrom, Kwaaman, Faabaware, Sekyerεand Mampcnten. Amoakoa who was the ancestress of Εkuona arrived at Pepease from Fomena. The balance from the Tena Bretuo identify unit of measurement at Kwahu in addition to other members migrated in addition to got married to other Kwahu citizens.
Totems are sacred emblems symbolizing mutual identities. Totems which are visual symbols that stand upwards for plants, animals in addition to sometimes natural items are carved or sculptured on a monument equally a representative of a detail paradigm of told stories nigh ancestors, animals in addition to spirits. These are also associated alongside ceremonies. In totemic rites, people get together together to honour their totem. In so doing they usage rituals to maintain the social oneness that the totem symbolizes.
In damage of kinship the paramount spot inwards Kwahu is from the Etene Bretuo clan who is inwards a somebody of Daasebre Akuma Boateng is the Omanhene of Kwahu. The same thing applies to fly chiefs, sub – chiefs, elders equally good equally citizens of Kwahu. Apart from the Bretuo clan which cast the paramouncy (Omanhene of Kwahu) the balance of the clan are Aduna clan, Agona, Asona, Asakyiri, Asene, Oyoko/Ayokuo, ekuona and
each clan has it ain Totem.
Religious Belief
Kwahu people similar all Akans inwards Republic of Ghana in addition to Republic of Cote d'Ivoire believe inwards the Supreme Being in addition to a creator God called Nyame, Onyame kokroko. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 lot of names in addition to appellations have got been assigned to him such as
Omnipotent ,Onyame kokroko (Almighty God), Omniscient Ahuntahunu Nyame (The All-Knowing God in addition to the All seeing God), Omnipresent (God is everywhere), Onyankopon (Great Friend). He is the creator in addition to sustainer of the universe. As a creator they telephone band him Oboadae. God is invisible thus the people worship him indirectly through the lesser gods in addition to other spirits in addition to this led to the introduction of traditional faith inwards Kwahu Land.
In traditional religion, at that spot is a strong belief inwards the existence of divinities in addition to lesser gods. They are called abosom yesteryear the people of Kwahu. Some of the gods in addition to shrines inwards Kwahu Land include:
Bruku Shrine: Bruku is a mount that is located at Kwahu Tafo in addition to Kotoso. Because of its peculiar nature some of the Kwahu people worship the spirit believed to reside inwards it. It is a high stone projection which looks similar a spine of volcanic eruption. Bruku komfo stands on the shoulders of men when performing possessive dance. This attracts people to see the site. Apart from that, people go at that spot to seek spiritual assistance inwards times of sickness. Bruku komfo (priest) interacts alongside people. The chief-priest of Kwahu also consults it on of import occasions. Bruku abhors H2O yam (Afase).
Tigare Shrine: Tigare provides assistance in addition to protection to the people of Kwahu. This shrine is
located at Pepease close Nkwantanan (Nkeneku). Because of Christianity people do non patronize it equally it used to live inwards the olden days. Apart from Kwahu people, other ethnic groups also come upwards to the shrine to seek assistance in addition to protection.
Atia Yaw Shrine: Oral history has it that this shrine which is a mount at Nkwatia in addition to had a powerful priest called Atia Yaw. Atia Yaw is spiritual beingness in addition to held inwards high esteem inwards Kwahu
dry soil just equally Ɔkomfo Anokye was seen yesteryear the Asantes. It is recorded inwards Kwahu oral history that whilst Ɔkomfo Anokye was alive, Atia Yaw was also inwards existence performing wonders inwards Kwahu land. As elders say he is an invisible spirit. It is said that when he goes to town people felt his presence alongside a gunshot in addition to also an umbrella volition live seen moving without anybody holding it. He has an uncanny gift for prophesy in addition to whatever he prophesied came to pass. He could predict nigh in-coming problems, warn the chiefs in addition to elders to take necessary spiritual precautions yesteryear performing the necessary sacrifices to appease the gods. According to history something happened in addition to this super natural beingness left in addition to somebody tried to pose equally Atia Yaw in addition to he was arrested.
The Adowa River which is at Atibie is believed to live a habitat of a (god) bosom. Kwahu people believe inwards it too. They potable from it but do non fetch for others to drink. As a resultant of its sacredness to the Kwahu people they do non launder nor consume fish from it. Kwahu people revere Adowa River in addition to fright its wrath, so it is only on Fridays that corpse are allowed to cross the Adowa River. Due to that corpses are delayed at the Atibie infirmary till 6pm earlier they tin can cross the river. It is believe that the twenty-four hours ends at 6pm thus 1 tin can at nowadays cross the Adowa River alongside the corpse.
Kwahu people believe inwards the spirit of their departed ancestors. Like all Akans, they take the corpse of their citizens who perish exterior for befitting burial.
Ghanaian hiplife artist, Daniel Morris a.k.a Kobby of Wutah hails from Obomeng,kwahu.
Moral Values
Kwahus believe it is godly to live kind, respectful, good, generous, loving in addition to sympathetic to 1 another. Kwahus are good known travelers in addition to they are jolly careful non to appall anyone. They are quite humble in addition to honour others opinions. As a resultant of their business organisation in addition to trading activities they are noted for avoiding litigation. They hardly go to courtroom in addition to are willing to resort to alternative dispute resolution or forgive in addition to forget whatever occupation that 1 may have got alongside them. The kinship scheme inwards Kwahu shows that inwards whatsoever local grouping an private is a blood brother or a sister. This has truly helped to present a high sense of honour in addition to tolerance especially inwards their family. Relatives, especially, uncles aspect upwards to some of these goodness qualities earlier they provide for their nephews in addition to nieces.
Children are inculcated alongside a habit of self reliance in addition to also avoid beingness parasitic (that is to consume from other people‟s houses or rely on others for support). Vulgar linguistic communication inwards Kwahu dry soil is highly prohibited in addition to anybody who uses it brings disrespect to his or her family. People are tutored to usage cultured linguistic communication in addition to polite words borrowed from their elders at all times. For instance when 1 think to insult a kid or is referring to something degrading, he or she usage a polite give-and-take similar "sεbe."
Kwahu just similar all Akans uses Ananse stories (Anansesem), folktales, myths, proverbs, fine art forms
such equally paintings in addition to sculpture, to innovate people to moral values. For instance, an Ananse story says that, Ananse, because of his bad intentions to consume nutrient crops lone inwards a farm, got stuck to a gum inwards a farm in addition to the adjacent twenty-four hours was constitute glued to the gum alongside harvested nutrient crops close to him, agency that nosotros should non cheat, but 1 should rather live sincere to himself/herself in addition to others.
Hide in addition to seek (atetεatetε) or what Fante Akans called Kwaakwa in addition to Luna lite songs are played amidst the people to release sexual desire, for instance they play yesteryear saying that 1 should aspect for his or her hubby "Hwehwε mu na yi wo mpena." This is to release tension for children to acquire to some level
Games
In Kwahu the people entertain themselves yesteryear playing games similar Oware, Asoba yesteryear women, Agyako, Ndwomkro, etc. The games serves equally a source of amusement in addition to also people acquire knowledge in addition to increases 1 inventiveness level. Some games similar draft (dammy) in addition to oware are indoor games these are
made yesteryear the sculptor alongside wood.
Taboos (Superstitious Beliefs) Eyirwodea
Kwahu people has serious superstitious beliefs. This has truly helped to command bad habits inwards the communities in addition to to some extent, amend the lineament of life of the people. The people have got a notion that 1 should non cry on top of one‟s vocalisation when mentioning somebody‟s call inwards the night. It is believed that ghosts in addition to other spirits mightiness hear the call in addition to tin can spiritually manipulate them.The moral lesson is truly to halt people from making vibrations or crusade unnecessary distraction night.
It is also believed that, 1 should non sing whiles bathing. It is said that 1 who autumn prey to this human activity volition die. The prime number aim was to foreclose soap in addition to other chemicals from entering one‟s oral fissure patch bathing.
Another superstitious belief amidst Kwahu people is that 1 should non sweep at night. Parents say that 1 volition sweep away his / her success. The thought behind this superstitious belief is to protect people from losing their valuable items since, vision or visibility is impaired at night.
Kwahu people are good known inwards their trading or economical activities. At nighttime they do non sell items similar palm oil, charcoal in addition to other products. They usually spot pepper in addition to charcoal inwards the containers inwards which they spot their money after sales to foreclose evil spirits from taking some of the money or when somebody buys alongside evil money it volition non touching on their ain money.
Again, petty Kwahu traders tear little component of the money that 1 uses to purchase an item. At times they do non at nowadays add together the money to theirs or the money that they have got already collected. These things are done to foreclose people from snatching the money that they have got used to purchase items back. Some of the superstitious beliefs have got also contributed a lot to banking concern check the moral values of Kwahu people.
Kwahu tafo waterfall
Greetings
In Kwahu societies, greetings are 1 of the most of import etiquette that are expected from an individual. An private or a social grouping is obliged to greet or present respect, failure to comply shows: disrespect, offence, disregard, disappointment or embarrassment.
Rules of etiquette may vary from identify to place. In Europe at that spot is null incorrect if 1 does non greet or follow the appropriate direction. Actually at that spot are sure as shooting periods that 1 needs to greet in addition to also when 1 demand non to greet.
An private or whatsoever social grouping that fails to greet or pay compliment to the master copy in addition to his elders, Abusua Panyin, parents, sisters in addition to brothers in addition to the similar inwards Kwahu is usually described equally beingness disrespectful, arrogant in addition to many others.
In Kwahu the period of time that a somebody cannot greet is the fourth dimension that he is going to lav (private) or when is going to throw reject away at the reject dump (bola) or when he wakes upwards early on inwards the forenoon when he has no washed his human face upwards in addition to has non pasted his teeth.Usually when a Kwahu somebody is going to defecate, he may say that I am going to reckon the chief, see the master copy (mere ko ahenfie), mere ko hunu nananom, mere kc kyea
nana aba, mere ko yε meho yie aba. It is an insult when 1 greets, when going to such places mentioned above. But rather 1 tin can greet after returning from the lav or after emptying the bin at the reject dump (bola or sumena).
Morning greetings: In the morning, they usually say goodness forenoon (maakye) , me ma moment akye when they
are many in addition to some of the responses are: yaa, yaa oba (child), yaa nua (siblings or for historic period of time group), yaa agya (father), yaa εna (mother), yaa odo, yaa asew, yaa amu etc. The respondents sometimes add together this after responding to the greetings due ne awo.
Afternoon: In the afternoon they greet maa aha (good afternoon). For instance, when greeting fathers they unremarkably say: agya maa aha oo, mothers; εnanom me ma moment aha, friends; anuanom me ma moment aha in addition to identify unit of measurement members; abusua or abusuafo me ma moment aha. Response: Yaa, yaa cba, yaa agya, yaa εna, yaa cdc, yaa ascn, yaa krontc, yaa obogya, yaa ahenewa, yaa abraw etc. The respondent tin can farther say “due ne awia”.
Evening: Good even (ma adwo) for 1 somebody in addition to when they are many, me ma moment adwo, Father; agya me ma wo adwo, mother; εna me ma wo adwo in addition to identify unit of measurement members; abusua me ma moment adwo. Some responses for evening: Yaa, yaa egya, yaa εna, yaa mu, yaa ahenewa, yaa cdc, yaa cba etc. The respondent
in addition to so says, Due ne enwinu
Seasonal greetings: During Christmas, Easter, New Year, festivals in addition to the likes: Kwahus unremarkably greet similar whatsoever of the Akan speaking people, that is, Afehyiapa, me ma wo afehyiapa oo, yε ma moment afehyiapaoo etc. The response is that afe nko mmε to yεn, afe sesεε na yεte ase.
Birth Greetings: Tirinkwa (Luck), 1 somebody is me ma wo tirinkwa” in addition to for many people yε ma moment tirinkwa. The response is in addition to so mi ti daase(my luck give thanks) for 1 somebody in addition to yε ti daase for many people. Also they greet afiremu, ye ma moment afirimu or me ma wo afirimu.
Marriage: On an occasion similar matrimony they usually greet awareso oo (Happy marriage) or me ma wo awareso ( I wishing y'all happy marriage) or yε ma moment awareso oo (we wishing y'all happy marriage). They sometimes greet tirinkwa.
Success: When 1 comes out successfully inwards a programme, Kwahus do greet yesteryear saying Tirinkwa.
Funeral: How to greet when 1 loses a relative : hyε den (take heart), me ma wo hyε den, yε ma moment hyε
den, yaa ko, me ma wo yaa kc, ye ma moment yaa ko, due ne wo ba, due ne wo kunu or due
ne wo yere. The response is usually yaa.
Working Greetings: When 1 is working: The people usually greet yesteryear saying Adwuma (Work) or adwuma oo. The response is Adwuma yε! (Work or labour is good) yaa ayei. Greetings: Kitamu, the response is yaa or yaa nua in addition to some other greeting is moment ne adwuma, in addition to the response is me da ase (thank you).
Returning From Work or Journey Greetings: theyare usually said yesteryear Kwahu people when 1 is returning from work, function, or journey: Akwaaba (You are welcome), Akwaaba oo, yε ma wo Akwaaba,
me ma wo akwaaba. The response is Yaa, yaa anua (thank y'all my sibling), yaa odo (thank y'all my love), yaa ekunu ( give thanks y'all my husband), yaa εyere or yaa obi adeε etc.
When 1 takes a atomic number 82 inwards anything, inwards a function, at work, programme in addition to eating they greet: Adikan, me ma wo adikan, yε ma moment adikan. The response is unremarkably yaa, yaa cdc, wato me, yaa nua etc.
Eating – words of invitation Greetings: To invite a somebody to consume 1 may say “wato me” or “wato meoo” literally important y'all have got met me. The response is mesa wom (my manus is inwards the food), ma ne nko (let it go), koso (go on) or me da ase (thank you). Also they invite yesteryear saying Afriyie, wa firi yie, wo nim nante or wo nim nanteε y'all know how to walk. Also the somebody who meets the 1 eating tin can say adikan.
When a somebody is going to eat, he/she usually says: merekc yi me nsa aba, mere kc ka me nsa akyi aba or “mere kc ka mano aba. When 1 sends some other to go in addition to telephone band someone to come upwards in addition to consume they unremarkably say: bε hwε adeε, mama sε bεhwε adeε that is, come upwards in addition to aspect at something.
Sleeping – some mutual words used: The people say: mere kc da, mere kc yi mani so, this simply agency I am going to sleep. The response is da yie, slumber well.
Greeting chiefs/elders – some mutual words used: When chiefs, elders in addition to other groups are seated, the greeting is: me ma moment atenase, Nana, agya ne εna me ma moment atenase or mpanyinfo me ma moment atenase (I wishing y'all good seated, Nana {chief}. fathers in addition to mothers I wishing y'all good seated or elders i wishing y'all good seated). When they are many they greet: Nananom, mpanyinfo, Agyanom, εnanom ne anuanom me
ma moment atenase. One needs to curvature or bow to the master copy inwards a gathering when greeting. Children or teenagers or fifty-fifty adults are non supposed to moving ridge their hands inwards greeting a master copy for it does non present a sign of respect.
Women tin can spot their hands on their laps, go on their knees in addition to also moving ridge their hands to the elders. Men tin can greet chiefs in addition to elders at a gathering yesteryear lowering their stuff to their chest, bow in addition to moving ridge the hands to the master copy in addition to elders.The most of import thing to banker's bill is that the people greet from the correct manus side. This is the physical care for Kwahu people follow to welcome in addition to hear to people.
Cloth
Kwahu people wearing apparel similar whatsoever Akan group. The women usually spot on Kaba, Kente in addition to others. Men have on danta, twakoto, light stuff just to comprehend the private part; it is worn inwards a special style. Married women spot on kaba, slit in addition to some other piece. This was referred to equally Esoro ne fam kaba. Unmarried women in addition to immature girls also used to spot on kaba in addition to slit in addition to it was also known equally (baako ne kaba). These women usually have on the other slice yesteryear putting it to a greater extent than or less the neck.
Kwahus have got also adopted some aspect of other Ghanaian tribal cultures. As a resultant they at nowadays spot on vesture which includes fugu, batakari commonly used yesteryear the master copy priest. Suit in addition to diverse types of vesture are at nowadays used because of unusual influence in addition to other modernization.
Yaw Bediako Sampong, boy of Kwahu businessman, Ernest Bediako Sampong of Ernest Chemist
Ceremony (Adae Festival)
Adae
Kwahu people have got a calendar for sacred day. For instance, Adae. This is a period of time for ancestral veneration. At this fourth dimension prayers (libation) are offered to appease the ancestors, the gods in addition to other spirits of the dry soil in addition to the people equally well. People come upwards together to seek favour from the gods in addition to ancestors. The master copy priest in addition to his people offering food, meat in addition to drinks for the spirits of the dry soil every fortysecond (42nd) day.
The days constitute on the Kwahu calendar are: Fcdwoc, Efidamu, Benadapa, Awukudae, Ayawadae, Fida, Fofie, Benada Kwabena, Memenda Dapaa in addition to Akwasidae. Kwahus have got selected few of these days from the Akan calendar. Since Kwahus are noted to live hard-work in addition to are business organisation oriented people they do non want obstructions to touching on their business organisation activities.
During Adae Afahye, the chief, elders in addition to the world spot on white in addition to colourful kente vesture which is a production of textile. They do non ware mourning cloths. It is believed that the yesteryear chiefs are non dead but rather gone to the hamlet in addition to are using this slap-up chance to wake them upwards from their sleeping place. Some of the vesture they have on during such occasions have got names similar Obo nkwatia Aso bayirɛ dɔtɔ yede nam n’ayi nam dua koro gye mframa ebu.
Ornaments such equally earrings, rings bracelet, necklaces, etc are worn or possessed because they are thought to live beautiful to a greater extent than than their usefulness. Ornaments are used on the body for diverse reasons similar protection, beautification, sexual practice differentiation, equally a decorative measure, rank or status inwards the society.
Ornaments are usually worn during occasions similar social gatherings such a durbars, funeral festivals (Adea, Easter which has at nowadays been accepted equally Kwahu culture). Kwahu chiefs also appear at durbars alongside a lot of artifacts which present his wealth, powerfulness in addition to protection inwards the society. The master copy is thus regard equally a walking gallery since he is decorated alongside a lot of artifacts i.e. his vesture which is worn on the body, indigenous, sandals, jewellery, amulet, talisman, headgear, such equally (aduasa, apim) hat
Kwahu Easter
Kwahu people have got replaced Adae Kɛse especially afahye [ alongside Easter (Yesu amanehu) in addition to funeral (ayieyo) because of social in addition to fiscal challenges. They come upwards dwelling solid to encounter friends, relatives in addition to also
usage that period of time equally an chance to rest.
Most Kwahu citizens come upwards dwelling solid on Th the twenty-four hours earlier Easter Fri to encounter alongside their family. On Fri they go to church building in addition to take component inwards church building activities. In the even they come upwards out to the street to encounter friends.
On Sabbatum the whole community meets alongside the master copy in addition to elders of the towns inwards front end of the chief‟s palace or community centre. They hash out the welfare of the towns. If at that spot is whatsoever projection the people come upwards together in addition to contribute money towards it. They also organise communal labour to create clean the town.
There is also life band music which is played in addition to meant to entertain the crowd till daybreak. People usage that chance to innovate novel production in addition to sell different items to the public.
They have got been able to modify the programme yesteryear showing films to educate the youth nigh HIV, moral values, Girls kid teaching in addition to the like.
Paragliding at nowadays forms component of the Easter festivities. This is where a lot of people see the tourist site at Odwen Anoma for the paragliding. This is a projection that was initiated yesteryear the ministry building of tourism yesteryear Honourable Jake Obetsebi Lamptey in addition to the belatedly Samuel Ayim who had a fatal accident on Accra to Nkawkaw road. This projection was introduced yesteryear some white men. They usage the chance to
exhibit in addition to sell some items at Odwen Anoma Mountain inwards collaboration alongside Rockia.
The paramount master copy Omanhene of Kwahu Daasebrε Akuamoah Boateng II organise a durbar to encounter the citizens of Kwahu where the President of Republic of Ghana in addition to his Ministers attend the function.
Music
In Kwahu, music tin can live organized in addition to sung during occasions such equally festivals, durbars, birth, marriages, funeral et cetera. Kwahus are known to live gifted inwards music such equally highlife in addition to ordinary music.
Music refers to an organized audio that may live accompanied alongside musical instruments or without whatsoever instrument. It could live done yesteryear clapping, tapping the foot, drumming, singing, humming, ringing of bells, blowing of air current instruments such equally flutes, trumpets in addition to the like.
Other instruments they usage for their music are bamboo, rattle, bells, apirempirensua, afrikyiwa, apirede, etc. Their music is arranged to suit the occasion or the period of time especially joyous music are arranges during festive occasions.
Kwahu human being in addition to musician, E K Nyame
Some of import musicians constitute inwards Kwahu are E.K Nyame (E.K‟s), Obouba J Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 Adofo, Nana
Ampadu, Obomeng Mireku, Ahima, Kwasi Ayaah, Oheneba Kissi, Kwodwo Antwi, Naa Agyeman in addition to the likes. Their music is meant for entertainment, religious worship, healing, listening for pleasure, relaxation,
attraction in addition to inspiration.
Dance
The indigenous trip the lite fantastic forms inwards Kwahu include Kete, Adankum, Ashuwa, Aboma in addition to Adowa (indigenous trip the lite fantastic form). Like the performance of music, dancing is usually performed inwards ceremonies involving birth, puberty, marriage, death, festivals, durbars in addition to other social gathering. The people sometimes spot on costumes when dancing in addition to others trip the lite fantastic bare footed. In Kwahu people trip the lite fantastic to entertain the crowd,
aid to relax in addition to for people to limited their appreciation to loved ones.
When an of import guest/personality gets to the flooring to dance, people enhance their hands in addition to stretch the minute in addition to tertiary fingers upon the somebody or invitee who is on the flooring dancing.
Kwahu people doing traditional dance
Medicine
Some sicknesses are also healed through performance (Music, trip the lite fantastic in addition to drumming). The (traditional priest) ɔkomfo or (herbalist) dunsini usually perform diverse rites in addition to rituals to heal the sick. Libation is usually poured to appease the gods (gyabom). For instance, when a spell is cast on someone, gyabom is usually placed at the entrance of a palace to ward off whatsoever evil spirit or someone alongside bad intension. All the powers are suppress at nowadays the somebody alongside an evil intention passes by.
source:http://dspace.knust.edu.gh:8080/xmlui/bitstream/handle/123456789/328/KWAHU%20CULTURAL%20VALUES-CONTENTS.pdf
Chieftaincy inwards Kwahu
The numerous townships inwards Kwahu have got chiefs who principle or dominion the people inwards their localities. The paramount stool is at Abene, which is the Tena/Bretuo lineage monitor who is currently inwards the somebody of Daasebrε Akuamoah Boateng II is the paramount chief. His mother, Nana Gyamfuah is the queen woman parent of the Kwahu traditional area. She is the longest in addition to youngest queen woman parent ever known inwards the history of Kwahu in addition to entire Ghana. There are other wing, palanquin chiefs in addition to queen mothers inwards Kwahu. They have got been able to ensure peace in addition to evolution inwards the locality.
Kwahus inwards full general do non take keen involvement inwards political party politics equally compared to other ethnic groups inwards Ghana. They are known to back upwards whatsoever regime who comes to power. They know that if they oppose the regime inwards powerfulness their businesses are probable to collapse, since they engage inwards all sorts of businesses.
Enstoolment
The occupant of the Kwahu stool must come upwards from the (Tena/Bretu) clan. The somebody who is to acquire a master copy must come upwards from the royal home. It is the elders of the royal identify unit of measurement (abusua mpanyinfoc) in addition to the queen woman parent who nominate the 1 who is to acquire a master copy inwards Kwahu land. Yet the nomination is to live approved yesteryear the citizens of the Abene Town.
Such a somebody must have got goodness character, but knowledgeable, respectful in addition to all the goodness qualities a master copy or manful somebody monarch must possess. Kwahu chiefs sit down on stools in addition to the championship of the paramountcy is Daasebrε. After the alternative of a suitable royal person, the master copy is quarantined where he is educated on the customs in addition to traditions of the land. He is also taught how to speak inwards public, trip the lite fantastic in addition to walk majestically.
The chiefs are blindfolded in addition to are allowed to go to the stool room where all the yesteryear chiefs‟ stools have got been kept. The 1 that he touches becomes his stool name. For instance if he picks a stool bearing the call Daasebrε Nana Akuamoah Boateng II, he uses it equally his stool name.
In some cases the master copy tin can get married the wives of the dead chief. It is the master copy who decides who to marry. He only has to inform the elders in addition to the queen mother. During durbars in addition to functions, the chiefs wearing apparel nicely inwards Kente cloths in addition to regalia.
Destoolment
Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 master copy is destooled if he misbehaves or disobeys the laws of the land. For instance if he sells stool lands. The chief‟s sandals are removed when he is beingness destooled. This is announced to the public. Destoolment tin can live done yesteryear the queen mother.
Funerals for Chiefs
When a master copy dies they do non denote it inwards public. It is the fly chiefs who are kickoff informed. Later they send drinks to inform the other chiefs in addition to elders. Later, a appointment volition live fixed for his burial ceremony. Nobody volition live permitted to have got a funeral until the master copy is buried. This paradigm shows a master copy at some other chief‟s funeral alongside a gun. The firing of a musketry alongside a grass or go out inwards his mouth, it signifies that nosotros are inwards a bad mood thus nosotros do non speak alongside 1 another. His appearance depict that if decease was similar a state of war to live fought they would have got struggle for him to foreclose his death. This lawsuit is so dramatic which is an aspect of art.
Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 caprine animal is slaughtered in addition to shared amidst those who are closer to the stool to cleanse them. For ii (2) weeks all the citizens mourn the master copy in addition to spot on dark cloths (Kuntukuni). The wives in addition to children, cousins or relatives unopen to the stool are shaved in addition to their shaved pilus is used equally a pillow. Anybody at all tin can do the shaving. It volition live placed nether his bed where he volition live set inwards state. It signifies that if decease could live fought yesteryear men all the people who shaved would have got gone to state of war alongside the decease to salve the dead chief.
At the lastly twenty-four hours of the burial a shed volition live erected inwards front end of the palace in addition to so at that spot volition live firing of musketry (firing of gun). The special identify where the master copy who is the occupant of the stool is set to balance is known equally Kwayε Kεsim (virgin forest).
The fly chiefs, paramount master copy in addition to elders volition live informed nigh the burial. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 twenty-four hours earlier the burial, at 12.00am (mid-night), no commoner or an ordinary somebody should live seen around. They in addition to so pay or swear an Oath of allegiance at the identify where the master copy is buried. After the burial the novel master copy that has been elected is kept inwards a room. If everybody agrees in addition to at that spot is no dispute surrounding the chieftaincy they tin can install the novel master copy immediately.
He is in addition to so carried on shoulders in addition to and so placed on the stool 3 times. Powder is in addition to so poured on him. His existent changes to the stool call in addition to 1 cannot telephone band him yesteryear his one-time call or insult him. He is in addition to so addressed alongside the stool name
Death in addition to Funeral Ceremony (as a sign of respect)
Death concludes the life cycle. It is considered a alter from a physical life to a spiritual life. It is believed that the dead somebody leaves the physical world for the spiritual world. Therefore, when a somebody dies, the traditional Kwahu person, similar other Ghanaian believes that he is making a journeying to the adjacent world, where he may live equally an ancestor. Death is said to live a span betwixt the world of human beings in addition to that of the spirits. Therefore, when a somebody dies, it is believed that he continues to have got contact alongside the living. Thus, the ceremonies in addition to rituals performed for the corpse emphasize the unbroken identify unit of measurement human relationship betwixt the living in addition to the dead.
Rituals for the Dead (Respect/ Togetherness)
When a somebody dies, relatives perform funeral rites. They give the dead a plumbing equipment burial in addition to afterward give offerings of nutrient in addition to drinks to the spirits of the dead. The dead on their component are believed to play an of import role inwards the lives of their families. Their role is to guide in addition to protect them. They are also thought to serve inwards the spirit world equally the elders of the family. Wherever at that spot is decease at that spot are carefully planned ceremonies in addition to rituals. For example, at that spot are rituals for the burial, funeral in addition to the dead. The traditional Kwahu somebody believes that unless the proper rites are performed the spirit of the dead volition non live able to bring together the spirits of their ancestors. But if the proper rites are performed they would live welcomed.
When decease comes, it concerns everybody inwards the community. Although at that spot are differences inwards the ceremonies in addition to the rituals performed for the dead, communities inwards Kwahu care for the corpses according to sex, historic period of time in addition to status. For instance, amidst most communities, the funeral of a kid is different from that of an adult. There are few rites in addition to footling weeping. Funerals of chiefs in addition to queen mothers are different from those
of ordinary people. Among some communities, when a somebody dies through an accident, kid birth, or suicide it is considered to live (a bad death). People who perish inwards whatsoever of these ways are non given the usual burial in addition to their funeral rites are non performed. When these are done it is believed that such incidents volition occur 1 time to a greater extent than inwards the dead person‟s family.
Kwahus uncovering funeral anniversaries equally of import ceremonies for the dead. They are considered memorial days on which rituals are performed. Such memorial days are observed at different intervals. Some celebrate it there, four, eight, fifteen, twoscore or fifty-fifty fourscore days after death. Others uncovering it half dozen weeks or a twelvemonth after death. There are stages inwards a funeral celebration. Each phase involves special performances of
rights.
Preparation of the Corpse
When a somebody dies, the corpse is washed in addition to and so dressed according to the age, sexual practice in addition to status of the person. The body is in addition to so set inwards province for mourning. The washing, dressing in addition to laying inwards province of the deceased are mostly the duty of the elderly women inwards the family. The world is non allowed to reckon them washing corpse they are believed to live sacred.
The corpse is dressed inwards a rich kente stuff alongside a golden chain. However, they take in addition to supersede them alongside a uncomplicated wearing apparel earlier the corpse is spot into the coffin.
i. Pre-Burial Mourning
There is pre-burial mourning when the body is set inwards state. The body is set inwards province inwards the identify unit of measurement head‟s house, the father‟s solid or the deceased‟s ain house. Some people lay the body inwards province inwards an opened upwards porch inwards the solid or inwards the sitting (living) room.
Whilst the body is lying inwards state, relatives, friends in addition to other sympathizers come upwards to mourn alongside the bereaved identify unit of measurement in addition to to pay the lastly honour to the deceased person. The arrival of mourners to the funeral grounds mostly involves wailing. The women inwards detail sing dirges that tell how lamentable it is that the deceased is no more. Usually, a unopen relative is selected to sit down at the bedside to have sympathizers.
It is the custom inwards most communities to nowadays gifts patch the body is lying is state. Gifts such equally coins, handkerchiefs, cloths, rings in addition to a calabash are (presented) to the dead person. It is believed that since the deceased is traveling to the spirit world, he needs money for his or her fare in addition to other expenses. The calabash, for example, volition live used for drinking water.
ii. Burial
The fourth dimension of burial is the most dramatic in addition to sorrowful period. There is much wailing in addition to singing of to a greater extent than dirges. All this is because the people experience they volition non reckon the deceased somebody again. Some Kwahus pour libation to Asase Yaa (Mother Earth) to enquire for permission to dig a grave for the burial. The grave diggers are given drinks such equally schnapps, money, fowls or sheep depending on what custom demands inwards the
community.
Putting the corpse inwards a coffin is seen yesteryear only a few relatives. In some communities, it is this fourth dimension that special parting rites are performed to intermission the human relationship betwixt the deceased somebody in addition to the immediate relations: widower, widows in addition to children inwards particular. The coffin is usually provided yesteryear the widower/widow or the children of the deceased person, or whatsoever other persons equally custom demands. Gifts presented are spot in
the coffin. In some communities, the lastly somebody to nowadays a gift is the widow or widower. Gifts such equally coins, calabashes, little slice of stuff in addition to rings are spot inwards the coffin earlier it is covered.
In some communities amidst the Kwahus, widows or widowers of the deceased are non allowed to bring together the funeral procession to the cemetery. They only do so upwards to some distance in addition to return. At the grave-side, a relative of the dead somebody pours libation earlier the coffin is lowered into the grave. Among the people of Kwahu, whatsoever mourner returning from the grave-side is expected to launder his hands. For this purpose a container filled alongside H2O inwards spot at the entrance to the house. It is believed that if this is non done the somebody mightiness take some bad luck from the cemetery.
iii. Mourning after Burial
In most communities, mourning goes on for at to the lowest degree viii days after burial. During this period, really unopen relatives fast. They remain away from the main nutrient of the communities in addition to may live on drinks, eggs, kola, porridge in addition to so on.
iv. The Funeral Day
Formerly, the funeral twenty-four hours was different from the twenty-four hours of burial. It was a day
usually set aside yesteryear the identify unit of measurement to mourn in addition to recall the dead. This twenty-four hours was a great
social occasion. The twenty-four hours was announced to all relatives in addition to friends. Nowadays, the
funeral takes identify inwards the twenty-four hours of the burial of the corpse. During grooming for the
funeral, people hire chairs in addition to canopies, invite band groups, provide drinks in addition to food
for visitors in addition to mourners. On the nighttime earlier the funeral day, wake is kept. During
this time, at that spot is singing of traditional songs, dancing in addition to firing of musketry. On the
funeral twenty-four hours unopen relatives sit down together at a detail identify where they tin can live easily
recognized. They have on black, red, whatsoever dark-brown or adinkra cloth. Some Akan
widows in addition to widowers have on raffia to a greater extent than or less their elbows. This signifies that since the
spouse is dead at that spot is nobody to depend on. In fact the widower is compared to the
raffia which is light. Mourners inwards other communities may spot leaves betwixt their lips
to signify that alongside the decease of their partners they have got null to eat. In other
communities, sympathizers do non milk tremble hands alongside the widow or widower. In the
past, some unopen relatives similar children, widows in addition to widowers were shaved.
On the funeral day, when sympathizers arrive, they go circular to milk tremble hands
alongside members of the bereaved identify unit of measurement who are seated at 1 place. All sympathizers
give donations to aid to pay for some of the funeral expenses. Such donations are
announced to the public. Death is the inevitable cease of a man, but it is believed a
transition from this nowadays earthly life to some other life inwards the spirits or the spiritual
give-and-take Asamando.
Kwahus are similar Egyptians who believe inwards life after decease in addition to pay attending to
the dead. They telephone band the deceased somebody because of that Kwahu people give a befitting
burial to the dead. They seek equally much equally possible to take the dead somebody body home
for burial. It is hard for them to bury their citizens exterior Kwahu.
Types of Death
i. Natural Death (Owupa)
This is a type of decease where an private grows to a considerable historic period of time before
dying. The somebody may perish of some sickness.
ii. Accidental Death
This is a variety of decease that occurs equally a resultant of accidents. The next may
live some of the causes of accidental death: motor accidents, serpent bites, trees falling on
an individual, etc.
iii. Suicidal Death
This is a type of decease where an private intentionally commits suicide. Here,
a somebody uses a knife, poison, etc to kill himself / herself.
4.31 How Kwahu People Handle the Dead
When someone is at the dot of death, it is the custom of Kwahu people to give water
to the person. Because they believed that the somebody volition live thristy since he volition travel
a long distance to achieve the underworld.
In Kwahu when 1 finally dies, the body volition live kept in-door for the
necessary planning to live done yesteryear the elders in addition to abusua panyin. They would usage that
chance to go circular in addition to inform the relatives abusuafuo in addition to friends. Normally, if
the decease occurred inwards the forenoon or afternoon the body would live sent to the cemetery
amusie for burial. Also if the somebody died at nighttime or inwards the even the people would
maintain wake, inform relatives the adjacent twenty-four hours in addition to bury the body.
On the other manus the body could live kept for 3 to 4 days after which
they would bury the person. They used to embalm the body. Some years past, they
used schnapps, cement, corn doe in addition to also special herbs which helped them to preserve
the body. They smeared it all over the dead body. Sometimes they spot the dead person
on a bucket or sleeping accommodation pot which served equally container to shop the fluid that would
drain or come upwards out from the dead person.
This was done to enable them go circular to inform the elders, master copy mourners,
abusua panyin, relatives in addition to friends of the deceased person. They usage to give people
potable (pito) when they were going to inform them nigh the number at hand.
First in addition to foremost, the lineage head, Abusua Panyin is at nowadays informed
nigh the dead in addition to and so the begetter of the deceased somebody is also informed.
The elders of the identify unit of measurement of the deceased somebody have got to take drinks in addition to money
to the Chief‟s Palace Ahenfie to inform the master copy in addition to his elders.
Minor / Children
It is the duty of the begetter to brand the necessary organisation alongside the elderberry for
burial. If the somebody is the kickoff kid of the parent to die, they do non demand to brand any
large funeral. It should live something uncomplicated just to grade the ceremony. Also, it is a
custom for them to have on white vesture adinkra instead of dark (birisi) that they
unremarkably usage for funerals. This is usually done just to foreclose frequent decease of
children inwards the family. It is believed that when y'all brand it large in addition to so decease would
e'er knock at one‟s door. It is the duty of the abusua panyin in addition to his elders to bury a
somebody inwards a identify unit of measurement who is non yet married.
Death of a Wife
It is the responsibleness of the hubby to defray the toll of burial rite when his
married adult woman dies. The hubby has to purchase the coffin, unless he did non get married her properly.
Even that, the (husband) volition perform the matrimony rite earlier the adult woman volition be
buried. The hubby has to take the wife‟s body dwelling solid for burial if it occurred outside
her hometown. That is why elders sometimes encourage people to get married from home.
Death of Husband
The province of affairs hither is quite different when the hubby dies. It is the children
who purchase the coffin only if they are grown. Other than that, the man‟s clan volition take up
the responsibleness to bury their relative (dehyeε).
Burial in addition to Funeral
In Kwahu when 1 dies the body is unremarkably set inwards province on Fri inwards the
evening. This is known equally wake keeping in addition to it depends on one‟s religion. Adventists
have got their wake keeping on Thursdays or Sabbatum evenings. One is non permitted to
cross the river Adowa at Atibie alongside a corpse if it is non passed half dozen inwards the even to
the mountains. Usually relatives hold back at Nkawkaw or at the Atibie Government
infirmary until 6.00pm earlier they cross the river alongside the corpse.
Now, inwards Kwahu they have got set a period of time inwards which they have got their funerals. The
people telephone band it ayida in addition to usually the period of time is 1 calendar month alongside the exception of Obo that
celebrate funerals frequently. This is to aid Kwahu people non to move every
weekend for funerals. Also the elders assume that during that period of time or the ayida other
friends, relatives in addition to sympathizers would live able to attend the funeral. But if families
have got the agency they tin can have got the funeral on whatsoever twenty-four hours that they want. Some people
prefer to have got it alone.
Those who do non have got the agency in addition to cannot maintain the body for long tin can bury
the corpse on whatsoever twenty-four hours but tin can hold back to perform the funeral rite during the ayida where
they volition have got the chance to have got a lot of people to mourn alongside them
On Sabbatum a religious service takes identify when prayers are said for the
deceased somebody if he or she was a Christian. Tributes nigh the deceased are read by
relatives in addition to friends on Sabbatum inwards the morning. It is the children of the deceased
somebody who dig the grave for burial. They take the coffin alongside the body to the cemetery
for burial. On their render from the cemetery H2O is placed at the entrance of the
solid for people who went to the cemetery to launder their hands.
Funeral: (Ayieyε)
After the burial which usually occurs on Saturday, people pay their lastly respect
to the dead person. People acquire to the funeral grounds alongside vino or drinks equally a token for
the bereaved family. The vino nsawa would live spot inwards a gourd in addition to shared for the
people.
Still some people donate drinks – soft in addition to strong together alongside money to the
deceased person‟s identify unit of measurement instead of wine. Probably the dead somebody left relatives that
demand to live taken attention of.
During the funeral the bereaved identify unit of measurement serves nutrient in addition to drinks of all kinds for
the relatives in addition to friends since they have got sat long in addition to mightiness live hungry. There is always
a master copy of the funeral ceremony nea cte ayipaso. Now it has been modified, at that spot is
an announcer who keeps people informed nigh what goes on at the funeral grounds.
People in addition to so hear to music in addition to trip the lite fantastic till they close.
In Kwahu the funeral ceremony comes to an cease precisely half dozen o‟clock inwards the
evening. On Monday, the Abusua Panyin, elders, relatives, children in addition to family
members of the deceased somebody sit down downwardly in addition to deliberate on issues nigh the funeral.
The elders aspect for a successor to supersede the deceased so that he/she volition be
able to take attention of the things the deceased has left behind. The heir (odiadefo) tin can be
selected from the same lineage, the same solid or from some other solid of the same
lineage. For instance if the hubby dies, the eldest blood brother inwards his solid or other clan
of some other solid tin can live selected to supersede the deceased in addition to take over his property.
If he left behind a wife/wives or children, his blood brother tin can get married the married adult woman or
wives in addition to attention for the children equally his own. Also his blood brother tin can create upwards one's hear non to marry
his brother‟s married adult woman or wives. They also calculate the toll that was incurred during the
funeral celebration. If at that spot was whatsoever loss they volition portion it amidst the family, in addition to the
children. After the funeral rite the identify unit of measurement members or relatives, go circular in addition to thank
friends in addition to sympathizers who came to assist or mourn alongside them.
The identify unit of measurement members finally go to their respective places where they came from. After
twoscore (40) days the relatives opened upwards the deceased torso or box (adaka).
source:http://dspace.knust.edu.gh:8080/xmlui/bitstream/handle/123456789/328/KWAHU%20CULTURAL%20VALUES-CONTENTS.pdf
What is the component of the “Queen Mother” tradition amidst the Kwahu people of Ghana?
Social organisation inwards all Akan kingdoms is based on matrilineal descent. Within kingdoms, the basic grouping is the clan, of which at that spot are viii inwards total, alongside members of each clan often occupying every town in addition to hamlet (Encyclopedia of Worm Cultures 1995, p. 11-12; Associate Professor of Folklore 6 Oct. 1999). Each town or hamlet has a royal identify unit of measurement (the identify unit of measurement that kickoff settled there), in addition to from this royal identify unit of measurement the master copy in addition to the queen woman parent are selected yesteryear the elders of the royal family, the chief, or the queen woman parent (Associate Professor of Folklore 6 Oct. 1999). Occasionally the master copy in addition to queen woman parent are related to each other equally woman parent in addition to son, but to a greater extent than often they are uncle in addition to niece, aunt in addition to nephew, cousins, etc. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 carved wooden stool is the symbol of authority, in addition to the master copy in addition to queen woman parent are “enstooled,” equally European monarchs are enthroned (Stoeltje 1997, p. 51; Associate Professor of Folklore 6 Oct. 1999).
Queen mothers are the “most important” officials involved inwards selection of the master copy in addition to are–sometimes called the “supreme manful somebody monarch makers” (Encyclopedia of World Cultures 1995, p. 12; Ofori eleven Nov. 1991). The queen woman parent is knowledgeable of the clan genealogy, in addition to she may have got her ain courtroom in addition to live assisted yesteryear other clan officials (Encyclopedia of Worm Cultures 1995, p. 11-12; Ofori eleven Nov. 1991). “One of [the queen mother's] major roles, in addition to some would debate that it is definitively her major role, is to advise the master copy on all matters” (Stoeltje 1997, p. 52).
There are instances inwards which “outsiders,” including American researchers, activists, in addition to Winnie Mandela, have got been enstooled equally queen mothers (South Wales Evening Post 5 June 1998; New York Times 5 Oct. 1997; Ethnic NewsWatch xvi July 1997; Ethnic NewsWatch 21 May 1997; Ethnic NewsWatch 27 Apr 1996; Ethnic NewsWatch 21 May 1994; AP 24 Nov. 1994). Non-citizens of a community must kickoff live adopted into the royal identify unit of measurement in addition to elders of the locality deliberate in addition to suggest the possibility of the individual’s enstoolment to the people (Ethnic NewsWatch 21 May 1994).
There are queen mothers of varying ranks. The queen woman parent on the local town or hamlet bird has a lesser status than the “paramount queen mothers,” who have got lesser status than the 1 caput queen woman parent inwards the kingdom (Stoeltje 1997, p. 52). Each town in addition to hamlet is different–for instance, mostly it is non allowed that the queen woman parent in addition to master copy inwards a locality live woman parent in addition to son, but inwards some areas, such equally Juaben, close Kumasi, this is silent allowed. These differences, however, “do non alter the overall system” (Associate Professor of Folklore 5 Sept. 1999).
Various religious beliefs in addition to activities co-exist in addition to are practiced side yesteryear side amidst the Akan (Encyclopedia of Worm Cultures 1995, p. 11-12). Christianity has been a strong influence inwards Republic of Ghana since the 19th Century (Associate Professor of Folklore 6 Oct. 1999). Islam also has a long history amidst the Akan, in addition to Akan royalty used Muslim scribes for courtroom duties (Encyclopedia of Worm Cultures 1995, p. 11-12). Yet at that spot are many inwards Republic of Ghana who silent do indigenous religion. Although many Ghanaians are comfortable practicing Christianity in addition to ancient custom together, at that spot are those whose devotion to 1 precludes whatsoever adherence to the other (Associate Professor of Folklore 5 Sept. 1999, 6 Oct. 1999).
According to the associate professor at the Folklore Institute at Indiana University:
The rites of passage which functioned to recognize a girl’s transition to adulthood have got ceased to live practiced equally a resultant of the influences of modernization (Christianity in addition to education, for example). These rites honored a immature adult woman through feasting in addition to through serving her; she was taken to the queenmother for world recognition of her novel status. Although the rites are no longer performed, many individuals maintain to inform the queenmother of the onset of puberty (10 Oct. 1999).
The queen mothers’ authorization has e'er rested (and continues to rest) inwards the perception yesteryear themselves in addition to others that they possess knowledge in addition to wisdom inwards of import areas such equally tradition, legal in addition to political matters, in addition to genealogy. Queen mothers are silent viewed equally keepers of tradition in addition to “king-makers,” in addition to inwards their continuing role of safeguarding women’ s welfare, they have got taken upwards growing “modem” civic issues such equally kid care, teaching for women, drag addiction, in addition to teenage pregnancy (Ofori eleven Nov. 1991; Associate Professor of Folklore 10 Oct. 1999).
What would laissez passer on off if a adult woman were to reject the Queen Mother position?
American in addition to Ghanaian scholars inwards chieftaincy issues who were consulted on the inquiry of possible damage to individuals who reject the spot of queen woman parent did non know of whatsoever instances of such damage (Assistant Professor of Linguistics xiii Sept. 1999; Associate Professor of Folklore 5 Sept. 1999; Associate Professor 5 Aug. 1999; Associate Professor of Linguistics in addition to African Languages 12 Apr 1999). According to the associate professor at the Folklore Institute:
For a broad number of reasons, some individuals may live reluctant to take the spot of queen woman parent (or chief). Therefore, sometimes negotiations tin can acquire protracted over time. Reasons for this reluctance may include the exercise of personal alternative inwards matters of career or marriage, and/or personal feelings nigh faith equally well. Many Ghanaians do Christianity in addition to Custom simultaneously, but others select 1 or the other, so feelings nigh faith could live amidst the reasons an private chooses non to take the spot of queen mother. It is of import to banker's bill that religion, the kinship system, the political scheme (known equally chieftaincy), gender roles, the legal system, the ritual system, are all integrated; the term “custom” refers to the entire socio/political/cultural indigenous scheme which functioned prior to colonization in addition to continues today though it has been much affected yesteryear modernization (10 Oct. 1999).
An associate professor at Indiana University stated that “there are several people wanting to live chiefs in addition to queenmothers so refusing to live a master copy or queenmother is a welcome tidings [sic] to [those who brand the chief/queenmother selection]. This helps to trim back the often crowded contestants” (Associate Professor of Linguistics xiii Sept. 1999).
According to the professor at the Folklore Institute:
Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 detail identify unit of measurement may seek to persuade a adult woman to sit down on the stool, in addition to they may live disappointed if she doesn’t. However, it is really unlikely that such an private would live ostracized to the dot of consummate isolation from the community or destitution for refusing to acquire queen mother. In most instances inwards which a somebody is reluctant to serve, it is because she has developed some other career in addition to identify unit of measurement life that would live disrupted yesteryear assuming the role of queen mother. They almost e'er have got removed themselves…from the town or hamlet already in addition to have got acquire component of some other community though most Ghanaians maintain strong links to their hometown (6, 10 Oct. 1999).
In the known rare cases where violence has flared upwards inwards queen woman parent in addition to chieftaincy issues it has been when someone wants to live enstooled equally master copy in addition to someone else thinks that somebody should non live master copy (Associate Professor of Folklore 5 Sept. 1999). The associate professor at the Folklore Institute said that “feelings tin can run high when it comes to questions of succession to the spot of chief, inwards particular, in addition to occasionally violence erupts inwards the midst of a chieftaincy dispute, but it is really rare” (5 Sept. 1999, 6, 10 Oct. 1999). “Even when hostilities develop, they do so to a greater extent than or less factions because these issues usually involve lineages, or families, in addition to though 1 private may live the focus of the dispute, people do non isolate the individual. The rare instances inwards which a somebody tin can live isolated do non occur inwards conjunction alongside disputes over chieftaincy” (Associate Professor of Folklore 10 Oct. 1999).
The associate professor at the Folklore Institute also stated:
Today many chiefs are really good educated people alongside academy degrees, some of which have got been earned inwards Republic of Ghana in addition to some inwards United Kingdom of Great Britain in addition to Northern Ireland in addition to inwards the U.S. Often they are lawyers, engineers, accountants in addition to businessmen. Fewer queen mothers are equally good educated, but at that spot is a widespread endeavor to persuade educated women to take the spot of queen woman parent in addition to take teaching in addition to evolution into the hamlet or region. Due to the effects of modernization in addition to teaching for over a century, many precolonial laws, rituals, in addition to practices have got been changed or have got long since disappeared” (10 Oct. 1999).
source:http://rainqueensofafrica.com/2011/03/information-on-the-queen-mother-tradition-among-the-kwahu-people-of-ghana/
Dr Beatrice Addae
Kwahu man Mr. Kwame Ofosu-Bamfo (Sikkens), industrialist in addition to human being of affairs (right)
Obrafour, Republic of Ghana hiplife artist
Kwahu elders inwards their traditional Akan stuff pouring libation to Nyame in addition to Asaaase Yaa (mother Earth) to commence Kwahu ParaglidingKwahu people whose slogan is Asase Aban, Yεnte Gyae (Protectors of the Land, We don`t quit) in addition to also Oboכּ (Rock) or Oboכּba (Child of the Rock) are really famous for their industriousness in addition to uncanny entrepreneurial skills. Due to their powerfulness to spot upwards huge buildings in addition to numerous wonderful mansions alongside expensive in addition to advanced architecture on the mountains most people inwards Republic of Ghana usually accuse Kwahu people of indulging inwards ritual or blood money (sika aduro). Others say Kwahus usage Nziema Bayie or wizardry inwards making money business. For beingness small-scale in addition to beingness highly economical inwards whatsoever venture they undertake except business organisation that brings them to a greater extent than money, people stereotype them equally 'pεpεe' (misers).
Billionaire Kwahu Businessman in addition to founder of Ernest Chemist, Ernest Bediako Sampong at Kwahu Easter
Apart from their success inwards merchandise their annual Easter festivity celebration which has at nowadays been accepted equally component of their culture. The grandeur of the celebration of Easter inwards Kwahu has acquire legendary on the calendar of pop celebrations inwards Ghana; millions of people from all over the dry soil in addition to beyond throng the mountains simply to experience this uncharacteristic festival. 'The annual Kwahu Easter Festival has at nowadays acquire an omnibus lawsuit where all mode of people move to the top of the Kwahu Ridge to celebrate.'
paragliding on Kwahu mountains, showing the panoramic see of Nkwakaw
Kwahus usage red, dark in addition to white equally their colours. The blood-red represents the blood of their forefathers (ancestors) that was shed to salve Kwahuman. In see of this, blood-red (korbene) is used during funerals. The white inwards the flag signifies victory, which is unremarkably associated to pulverization or kaolin. It is also used for ceremonies similar birth, marriage, funerals for the aged, in addition to also for festivals similar adae inwards remembrance of their ancestors in addition to heroes. The color dark is also worn during funerals to mourn the dead.
Kwahu drummers at Easter paragliding ceremony
The logo or emblem adopted yesteryear Kwahu people has the next features: a stool, ii crossed tusks of an elephant, a background that depicts the mountains, light-green vegetation (forest) in addition to a edifice alongside a cross.
The ii elephant tusks that have got been crossed dot the political strength of Kwahu people. The stool is the spot of the paramountcy which represents the soul of the people. The mount depicts the mountainous part where the people live. The tree alongside light-green leaves shows the rich vegetation Kwahu people have. The solid indicates the short town of the Kwahus. The cross on top of the edifice signifies Kwahus dear for the give-and-take of God. hese are symbols that are used yesteryear the 4 (4) district capitals inwards Kwahu in addition to they are Kwahu South District (Mpraeso), Kwahu West (Nkawkaw), Kwahu East (Abetifi) in addition to Kwahu North / Afram plains (Donkorkrom).
Kwahu adult woman in addition to Chief Executive Officer of Breast Care International in addition to award-winning pectus cancer adept Dr. Beatrice Wiafe Addae
The symbol used at the royal solid of the paramount master copy is a stool alongside a leopard resting on it. This reveals that Kwahu dry soil is safe, good protected in addition to nobody tin can destroy it.
Kwahu people dancing
Geographical Background of Kwahu
Kwahu Traditional surface area is inwards the Eastern component of Ghana. It is located betwixt longitudes 1° West in addition to 0° 15 East in addition to betwixt latitudes 6°30 in addition to 7°15 North. Kwahu is at the mid-point from Accra to Kumasi on the high way. Kwahu shares a boundary alongside Asante Akyem South on the Northern part; Atiwa District is also on the Southern component of Kwahu in addition to Birim North which is also on the Western part.
Kwahu lies inside the Semi-Deciduous wood zone. The vegetation is dense inwards damage of tree coverage alongside most trees shedding off their leaves inwards the dry out season. Trees of economical value similar Odum, Wawa, Sepele, etc. are constitute inwards the forest. The wood is made of 3 layers namely the upper, middle in addition to lower layers. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 greater component of the natural vegetation has been altered due to man‟s activities on the land. The wood however, remains inwards their natural province inwards the v (5) reserve areas namely the Southern Scarp Forest, Oworobong South, Abisu, Northern Scarp West, Oworobong South, Northern scarp West in addition to Oworobong North Forest reserves. Together, the reserves comprehend a total of 37, 070 hectares of land.
Nkawkaw
The Afram, a tributary of the Volta, is the major river inwards the area. It forms Kwahu South district‟s northern border alongside the Afram Plains South District. Another important river is the Pra which takes its source inwards the area. Apart from these, at that spot are some other little rivers in addition to streams.
Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 relief which shows the variations inwards the top of the dry soil includes the plains which stretch from the southern Voltarian plateau. The variations hit from 60m to 150m higher upwards body of body of water level. The forest-dissected plateau consisting of a serial of escarpments, notably the Kwahu scarp rises from 220m to 640m higher upwards body of body of water level. The scarp has ii prominent mountains - Bruku in addition to Apaku, in addition to some other forest-dissected plateau consisting of the steep-sided Birimian rocks which ascent to heights upwards to 240m.(Ghana Meteorological Services, 2006)Kwahu dry soil is made upwards of valleys in addition to mountains that is, lowlands in addition to highlands inwards the region.
Nkwakaw township
Because Kwahu lies inside the moisture semi-equatorial part in addition to therefore, experiences a double rainfall pattern, average monthly relative humidity hit betwixt 75% in addition to 80% during the ii rainy seasons. Mean monthly temperature values, equally high equally 30oC, are often recorded betwixt the months of March in addition to April,
but this decline to 26oC inwards August. (Ghana Meteorological Services, 2006)Kwahu comes nether the influence of ii air masses, namely, the tropical maritime air volume (MT) in addition to the tropical continental (CT).
Mountainous Kwahu town of Nkwakaw
The one-time hits the district twice a twelvemonth thereby causing the ii rainy seasons from May to August, and
September to October. Between the months of Nov in addition to March, however, the district is affected yesteryear the tropical continental air masses making the surface area warm in addition to dry. (Ghana Meteorological Services, 2006)
The area‟s relatively higher height has a moderating influence on the local temperature. The plateau is relatively cool, an attractive constituent for foreigners, especially those from the temperate world. The Basel Missionaries recorded the next description nigh Abetifi‟s climate inwards 1885: “… the Switzerland of West Africa, alongside nights equally cool equally May nights inwards Europe”. (Macmillan in addition to Kwamena Poh, 1965)
Paragliding at Kwahu Easter festival inwards Nkwakaw
Language
Kwahu people speak an Akan Twi linguistic communication which is a Kwa linguistic communication belonging to the larger Niger-Congo phylum. Kwahus are Akan speaking people similar Ashantis, Akuapims, Akyems, Dankyera, Bono, Assin, Sefwi in addition to Fantis. Their Twi is slight departure inwards their linguistic communication equally compared to Ashantes, Akwapims in addition to Akyems.
Kwahu man child at Nkwakaw
Kwahus are fond of using the syllabi ( La), (hunu) in addition to the like. They are noted for ending their vocalisation communication in addition to pronouncing words ending alongside "La" sound. For instance, instead of "saa" the Kwahu ends it alongside Saala (that‟s it), yei ala (just this). This makes it distinctive or different from Akans, especially Obos who pronounce words inwards this way; on the Kwahu language.
Kwahu kids inwards a hamlet at Mpraeso
History
Majority of Kwahus migrated from Asante Kingdom from towns such equally Pampasi, Kuntunasi, Juaso, etc because of wars, misunderstandings in addition to other issues equally reflected inwards the formation of diverse townships inwards Kwahu. Kwahus kickoff settled on the mountains to seek for protection. This offered them chance to reckon their enemies whenever whatsoever grouping was nigh to set on them. They used to shroud inwards the valleys in addition to gyre stones/ rocks from the loma top against their enemies.
Kwahu 'Chief of Nkwatia-Okwawu'. Circa 1888
According to Asihene‟s (1996:22), “Kwahus migrated alongside Begoros in addition to have got sure as shooting historical in addition to artistic traditions inwards common.” Roy Sieber inwards his analysis of wood carvings based on Oral Traditions of Begoro revealed that “Kwahu Oral traditions tape a serial of migration which took identify nigh 1700 AD to the scarp of Kwahu on the surface area southward of Kumasi from Adanse during the reign of Ntim Gyakari who was in addition to so the manful somebody monarch of Denkyira (1695-99).
Adow Kwame, Chief of Abetifi." Date: 1888 -1890
Ado-Kwame, Abetifi master copy at his palaver hall. Circa 31 December 1917
Kyeremanteng states that “Bepong was said to live a formidable Kingdom alongside heavily guarded mount passes. The fright the Kingdom evoked got its call “Kowu” which simply agency “go at that spot in addition to die”. The call Nkawkaw (Nkכּ-Kowu) was a alert to people approaching the Kwahu chiefdom”.
Kyeremanteng farther explains some other source nigh the historic formation of Kwahu, thus Akoawu Kingdom. He stated that Kwaw Baadu was a successor of Osei Twum, 1 of the nephews of King Ntim Gyakari of Denkyira. Kwaw Baadu sent his lookout adult man Kofabra to select a healthier site, for their short town at Anweam. Kofabra selected Bokuruwa. When he perished, Baadu his retainer renamed the healthier site
Akoawu which eventually got corrupted into Koawu/Kwawu.
Chief of Abetifi. Circa 1888
Kyeremanteng continued to depict the tertiary chiefdom or dynasty equally Kodiabε. Tena - Bretuo grouping which is known to live Abene left Adanse to escape from Ntim Gyakari‟s oppressive rule. Some other clan companies (groups) who left Adansi included Nana Amaniampong, Nana Ameyaw (Mposo Frempong) in addition to Nana Adu Gyanemfi, founders of Asante Mampong, Asante Afidwase in addition to Asante Gyamase respectively.
Abene is the identify where the Royal spot of Kwahu is located. People from Abene claim to live the kickoff people to settle on the Kwahu land, which is inwards the valley. However, the people from Burukuwa claim to
live the royals of the dry soil since they said they were the kickoff grouping to uncovering short town on Kwahu land. Due to that at that spot has been rivalry betwixt people from Abene in addition to Burukuwa, inwards damage of the majuscule where the royal spot should be. The occupant of Kwahu stool is from the Bretuo clan.
Sword bearer of Kwahu Abetifi chief, Ado Kwame. Circa 1888
Dwellers from Kwahu settled on the mount to seek for protection in addition to because of that the people formed a slogan known equally Asase Aban, Yεnte Gyae (Protectors of the Land, We don`t quit). The other slogan for Kwahu people is Oboכּ (Rock), in addition to their response is Oboכּba (Child of the Rock).
Kwahu Nkwatia master copy inwards front end of his house.
Kwahus were never conquered inwards wars yesteryear whatsoever ethnic group. Almost all the wars recorded inwards Kwahu history were brought downwardly from the original settlers in addition to warriors from other ethnic groups who needed novel settlements equally they fled from their ancestral homes due to dangerous weather condition arising from disputes, bad climate in addition to other adventurous necessities. The people had to aspect for novel in addition to conducive settlement.
Kwahu Abetifi chief`s compound. Circa 1888
Economy
Kwahus are known inwards Republic of Ghana for their hardworking nature in addition to entrepreneurial skills. In damage of agriculture, they engage themselves inwards farming, hunting in addition to fishing.Agriculture is 1 of the dominant occupations apart from commerce, amidst Kwahu people. Farmers move long distances to brand farms inwards the most fertile lands on their mountainous habitat. Ghana`s Ministry of Food in addition to Agriculture inwards its 2006 study indicated that nigh 52.6% of the adult population inwards Kwahu are mainly engaged subsistence farming. Most of the
farmers do non usage modern technology scientific discipline inwards farming. They usually usage uncomplicated farm tools such equally hoes in addition to cutlasses inwards their farm work. There are other businessmen who also engaged inwards commercial farming using ultra-modern farming implements.
Kwahu people grow cash crops in addition to nutrient crops such equally cocoa, palm trees, yam, caasava, cocoyam, maize in addition to vegetables. Kwahu is amidst 1 of the leading districts that produces nutrient crops inwards the country. Some of the leading crops include yam, maize, coffee, kola, cocoyam, plantain, vegetables in addition to tiger nuts. The Kwahu wood reserves are used to make Timber for export.
Man holdingPangolin (live) on route at Nkawkaw,. 2007
Fishing is mainly done yesteryear quite a smaller grouping of people from Kwahu. This cast of line of piece of work is usually done at Kwahu North district, especially those inwards Afram Plains.
Kwahu human being (Asaase aban) in addition to Kwame Ofosu Bamfo possessor of the plush Alisa hotel inwards Accra below
Alisa hotel inwards Accra owned yesteryear Kwahu human being Kwame Ofosu Bamfo,above
Food
The major staple nutrient for Kwahu people is fufu, since plantain, cassava, cocoyam, yam in addition to H2O yam are inwards abundance inwards the region. They pound fufu alongside whatsoever of the crops mentioned above. Usually, the people prefer yam in addition to cocoyam when pounding fufu.
Kwahu people usually consume fufu alongside whatsoever other soup since diverse vegetables are available inwards their locality, for instance groundnut, palm fruit, in addition to some flora go out such equally kontomire. Kwahus usually prefer light-green leafy vegetable soup that is Abunabun. Other types of nutrient for Kwahus include ampesi, mpctcmpctc also known equally mpihu or nyoma which is a favourite nutrient for Akuapems.
Bush meat (antelope in addition to pangolin) sold along the Nkwakaw road
Kwahu people prefer bush meat including grass cutter (akranteɛ), bat (Ampan) snails, crabs especially the little ones
Kwahu women cooking food
Inheritance
Kwahu people usage the matrilineal system. In Kwahu an private is jump to his mother‟s family. It is believed that the blood comes from the mother. The people inherit the uncle‟s belongings (wofa adeε). Most people rely on their uncles‟ wealth.
Kwahu hemaa
Puberty for Girls
Kwahus also perform Bragoro (puberty rites) similar other Akan societies. It used to live an offence for a immature adult woman to acquire pregnant without going through the initiation rites known equally Bragoro. Those who are non able to exceed through the initiation rite in addition to acquire pregnant perform purification rites known equally Kyiribra after which she is expelled from the town.
In Kwahu the puberty rite is performed for girls after their kickoff menstruation/ menstrual period. The immature adult woman is examined physically to banking concern check if she is non pregnant. She is taken attention of yesteryear an elderly adult woman who has non experienced decease of a kid before, to educate her on personal hygiene, dwelling solid management, sexual practice education, cooking in addition to the like. The immature adult woman is made aware that she is at nowadays matured.
The immature adult woman is quarantined for some days. They bathroom her in addition to pomade is smeared on her body. The immature adult woman is given mashed yam (εto) in addition to some eggs. After the initiation she is sent dwelling solid in addition to moves from solid to solid to greet friends in addition to dear ones who also give her gifts.
Cultural values derived from puberty rite for girls is enormous. It is a sign of respect, trustworthiness, obedience, humility equally good equally unify the immature girls. The girls are decorated alongside kaolin white clay on their bodies which is an aspect of body fine art in addition to at times the designs are made out of combs, circular shapes or fingers.
Also they are richly decorated alongside diverse ornaments such equally beads which are worn to a greater extent than or less their necks, hands, waist in addition to legs. The girls are also dressed inwards a prissy kente stuff which is a textile production showing slap-up reverence in addition to honour brought onto the identify unit of measurement yesteryear the girl. They are gorgeously dressed to aspect similar queens. The earthenware which is made yesteryear the potter is used for preparing the squeeze yam alongside the assistance of the grinder tapole.
The participants are given gift items such equally clothing, jewellery, doll, stool, cooking utensils equally good equally diverse artefacts. They were taught diverse vocations similar cooking, farming, dwelling solid management. Examples of items of farming include hoes, cutlass in addition to other sculptural forms.The whole episode or activity is dramatic in addition to it is usually accompanied alongside music, trip the lite fantastic in addition to drama. Orally, the girls are been advised in addition to educated, using
proverbial sayings in addition to other agency of communication. Libation is poured equally a sign of prayers for the girls, to appease the spirits in addition to ancestors to bless them alongside to a greater extent than children.
Nana Yeboah Afari Obuagyan II, Obohene in addition to Nifahene of Kwahu Traditional Area
Marriage
In the past, most parents betrothed their daughters earlier they were old plenty to marry. Nowadays, parents who select partners for their children seek the children‟s consent first. In some cases too, the immature people brand their ain choices in addition to inform their parents. It is the customary do for a human being to seek the hands of a adult woman inwards marriage. In most communities it is a taboo for a adult woman to suggest dear in addition to marriage
to a man.
In our traditional set-up, matrimony involves the human being in addition to the adult woman concerned equally good equally their families. Before the marriage, most families seek to investigate each other‟s identify unit of measurement background. They do this to uncovering out if at that spot is anything that volition foreclose a successful marriage. They investigate to uncovering out answers to questions such equally these:
a) Are they non relatives or from the same clan.
b) Are at that spot whatsoever communicable or hereditary diseases similar tuberculosis (T.B.), leprosy, insanity or epilepsy inwards the family?
c) Had at that spot been whatsoever criminal record, e.g. murder or stealing?
d) Is the identify unit of measurement quarrelsome?
e) Is the adult woman lazy?
f) Can the human being aspect after a wife?
It is only after both families are satisfied alongside their investigations that the matrimony tin can live allowed. In all communities inwards Kwahu, at that spot is the custom of giving gifts to the bride‟s family, especially the girl‟s mother. There is also a presentation of drinks in addition to an amount of money, but the money involved differs from community to community.
The gifts to the bride‟s identify unit of measurement yesteryear the bridegroom present his gratitude for allowing their immature adult woman to live component of his, the bridegroom‟s family. The customary drink, the ti-nsa(head wine) of the Akan which is presented yesteryear the bridegroom seals the marriage. When at that spot is a divorce, arbitration decides whether a bride-wealth paid yesteryear the bridegroom should live returned to him or not.
Types of Marriage
Traditionally Recognised Marriage (Adehyeware): This is a type of matrimony that is mostly recognized yesteryear Akans. Here, the human being goes through the proper channel in addition to performs the customary rites to acquire a adult woman as
his wife. In this type of marriage, if 1 goes exterior the matrimony to have got sexual practice alongside other people, the other partner tin can claim compensation for such an act. This is known equally ayefare.
Suitor/Courting (Mpena Warε): This is also a type of matrimony where a human being has non gone to reckon the identify unit of measurement of a lady to perform the necessary customary rites but lives alongside her equally his wife. This is non endorsed yesteryear Akans but some couples inwards this category go to the extent of having children. If a partner dies, the other volition non live made to go through a rite known equally Kuna (widowhood rite).
Next Of Kin’s Marriage (Kuna Aware): This is a province of affairs where a adjacent of kin (the dead person‟s relative) marries a adult woman whose hubby has died. The adjacent of kin tin can get married his brother‟s married adult woman in addition to take
responsibleness of the adult woman in addition to her children if he so wishes. If the widow has already gone through such a thing twice, the human being (next of kin) would non live permitted to perform the customary rite. The adjacent of kin tin can only get married the widow after she has mourned her hubby for a year, but if the widow does non want to get married again, it is permitted. If the widow agrees to marry, the adjacent of kin performs fresh customary rites to nullify the old matrimony in addition to seal the novel one.
Slave Marriage (Afena Aware): This variety of matrimony is no longer inwards existence in addition to it faded over a century agone amidst Akans. This is a type of matrimony that takes identify betwixt a rich somebody or a master copy in addition to his slave or house-help. In this marriage, the human being does non perform whatsoever customary rite to the slave‟s identify unit of measurement but they maintain to have got children in addition to they are called ofie nnipa amidst Akans. Such children are sometimes used for sacrifices if the demand arises. If the lady/slave goes exterior the matrimony to have got sexual practice alongside some other man, the master copy /the hubby may claim compensation from the slave but if the human being does the opposite, the slave cannot claim whatsoever compensation.
Awowa Aware: If a identify unit of measurement owes somebody heavily in addition to cannot pay the money, they tin can give their immature adult woman to such a creditor to get married till they are able to pay all the money. If it happens that the human being finds this retainer attractive, he tin can get married her without performing the customary rites. But if her identify unit of measurement is able to pay off the debt, the human being may live asked to perform the customary rites to brand it a proper marriage. The lady tin can go out the human being if she does non dear him in addition to takes the children alongside her
Bethrotal Marriage (Asiwa Aware): This is a type of matrimony where a grown upwards human being proposes to a immature lady or a kid (girl). Here, the human being spends his fourth dimension in addition to resources on the girl. He buys clothes, gives her money in addition to virtually does everything for her. When the lady comes of age, the human being goes ahead to perform the necessary rites in addition to takes the lady equally his wife.
Ayεtε/Nsiananmu: It is also a type of matrimony where a lady from the deceased wife‟s identify unit of measurement is given to a human being to get married equally a replacement if his married adult woman dies. This may laissez passer on off if the identify unit of measurement of the lady finds some special qualities inwards the man. This unremarkably takes identify if the married adult woman of a master copy or a paramount master copy of Kwahu dies. Another province of affairs that tin can warrant this type of matrimony is where the married adult woman of a master copy becomes an old lady.
Kwahu Traditional Wedding
A man, who wishes to marry, kickoff discusses his intentions alongside the immature adult woman concerned. He has to brand sure as shooting the immature adult woman volition concur to get married him earlier he informs his parents. Finding out through hugger-mugger meetings if they volition get married is known equally kasasie. The human being in addition to so tells his woman parent or an elderly somebody nigh his intentions. His woman parent or the elderly somebody volition inwards plow inform his father. If the woman parent feels that the marriage
volition non live possible for some reasons, she volition discourage him. When the begetter agrees, an investigation volition at nowadays start into the girl‟s behavior in addition to identify unit of measurement background.
When the boy‟s parents are satisfied, the begetter through a delegation, informs the girl‟s parents nigh his son‟s intention. It is the boy‟s begetter who contracts the marriage. This data is known equally kokooko (knocking ceremony). The proclamation is made alongside a pot of palm vino or a bottle of schnapps. Some amount of money is added to the drink. The amount paid differs from community to community. The human being may add together some extra money to whatever custom demands. This is usually to print his-in-laws that he tin can truly aspect after their daughter. In some communities, this money is regarded equally a (token gift) for the girl‟s
mother.
The girl‟s parents enquire them to go dorsum in addition to come upwards afterward for an answer. This enables them to uncovering out if their immature adult woman agrees to the marriage. They also investigate the boy‟s behavior in addition to identify unit of measurement background. When they are satisfied, a give-and-take is sent to the man‟s identify unit of measurement to come upwards forward. It is the custom for a begetter to pay for the matrimony expenses of a son. But these days, most immature men give the money to their fathers for the matrimony rites.
The begetter sends a message to the girl‟s parents to inform their maternal relatives to send their representative to the ceremony. On the appointed date, the man‟s begetter sends a delegation to perform the rites. The of import component of the ceremony is the offering of drinks known equally tiri nsa (head drinks). In the past, it used to live palm wine, but at nowadays it is schnapps. The tiri nsa traditionally seals the marriage. Some money is added to the drink. The amount of money given differs from community to community. There is also a customary fee charged to live given to the girl‟s mother. Her brothers also are given some money known equally akontagye sekan. Before the payment of the customary drinks in addition to the fee, the girls formally called earlier the gathering to give her lastly consent to the marriage.
After accepting everything equally custom demands, the caput of the girl‟s identify unit of measurement pours libation call for for protection an d blessings for the novel couple. He also prays that the matrimony should live blessed alongside children. The balance of the potable is shared amidst all the people nowadays to signify that they all witnesses to the marriage. Pieces of advice are in addition to so given to the couple. The human being tin can in addition to so prepare a twenty-four hours to take his married adult woman into
his house.
Another of import rite which tin can live performed on the same twenty-four hours or at whatsoever fourth dimension inwards their married life is the amount of money which is known equally ti-aseda or ti-ade paid to the girls family. This is what mightiness live showing the man‟s appreciation to the girl‟s identify unit of measurement for giving their immature adult woman to him. In the past, the girl‟s identify unit of measurement used
this amount to pay whatsoever debt inwards the family. They believed that using that money to pay such a identify unit of measurement debt would give her the peace of hear to savor her married life. Where at that spot was no such debt, it was used to purchase some property, e.g., a dry soil or a farm for her in addition to her hereafter children. If at that spot was divorce, the hubby could claim the ti-aseda or ti-ade from the wife‟s family.
The bridegroom sends a pot of palm vino or a bottle of schnapps to the bride‟s begetter for permission to take away his wife. The caput of identify unit of measurement pours libation alongside it in addition to blesses the pair again. On reaching her husband‟s home, the hubby provides her alongside nutrient items to prepare a special repast for relatives, friends in addition to other dignitaries present. This special repast is known equally csεnka or aduane kεse (wedding feast). It is a matrimony feast which is followed yesteryear jubilation. Traditionally, the csεnka was prepared inwards the bride‟s dwelling solid in addition to sent to the bridegroom‟s solid where it was shared amidst relations in addition to friends.
Divorce
When 1 wants to divorce 1 demand to sit down downwardly alongside the elders of both families in addition to say the argue why that somebody wants to break/stop that marriage. The elders of both families encounter to uncovering if it is necessary for them to settle the number that brought the misunderstanding inwards the marriage. When it fails the somebody who volition refuse
to get married volition pay compensation. But mostly the men do non allow the women to pay; rather, they say allow her go if she wants to go.
Grounds for divorce are adultery, fighting, quarrel in addition to accusation of beingness a witch. The somebody who breaks the matrimony volition provide the Kεtεasehyε (money) in addition to so the manful somebody representative volition collect sand or ash in addition to throw it on the feet of the woman. This is locally known equally wagu no hyire.
Traditional Authority construction inwards the Kwahu traditional area
Kwahu Traditional authorization construction follows the Akan (Asante) traditional scheme where each town inside the province play administrative in addition to conflict/war roles. The spot of paramountcy is from Abene, where the majuscule is located in addition to they are from the etena/ bretuo clan. Hweehwee in addition to Dwerebeas are newly created Towns; they remain alongside the master copy in addition to offering the necessary assistance.
Twafo of the Asona clan inwards Kwahu guarded yesteryear Kwahu Tafo, serves equally lookout adult man in addition to are inwards accuse for planning activities for the diverse fly chiefs. In times of conflict or state of war alongside other ethnic groups, it is Twafo who mount or map upwards strategies in addition to direct the groups equally to where in addition to how they are to move. Administratively, if at that spot is whatsoever message to live carried across, it goes straight to the Twafohene.
The Adonten Division is the kickoff grouping to protect the paramountcy. Twafo division, which is atomic number 82 yesteryear Kwahu Tafo in addition to so informs Adontenhene in addition to directs the Adonten Division which is from Abetifi, followed yesteryear Bokuruwa, Aframanso in addition to Sadan respectively. They are from the Agona clan.
If at that spot should live whatsoever conflict or war, which requires the protection of the paramountcy, the Twafo segmentation is the kickoff grouping to human activity yesteryear carrying instructions in addition to directions to the other Divisions. They in addition to so go alongside Bokuruwa, Aframanso in addition to Sadan. But if at that spot should live whatsoever message or administrative role, the Adonten segmentation which is atomic number 82 yesteryear Abetifihene volition have the message in addition to send it to Bokuruwa through Aframanso, thence to Sadan group.
Sanaa Division is from the Asona clan in addition to is led yesteryear Nkwatia. It is mainly inwards accuse of treasury in addition to finance activities. If at that spot should live whatsoever contribution or whatsoever fiscal matters nigh the Kwahu Traditional Council, the Sanaahene becomes straight responsible. He keeps the treasury of the Omanhene.
Nifa Division which is an aspect of the fly master copy is led yesteryear Obo, followed yesteryear Obomeng, Bepong, Asakraka, Pitiko, Dantey, Nkawkaw, Kwahu Praso inwards that monastic tell in addition to are responsible of the correct manus side of the throne. They constitute the Aduana clan in addition to have got a Canis familiaris alongside burn downwardly emitting from the oral fissure equally its totem. They are mandated to protect the correct side of the paramountcy base of operations on the instructions in addition to directions issued from the Twafo Division.
Gyaase Division which belongs to the Oyoko clan is also been led yesteryear Atibie.Administratively, they take attention or protect the Omanhene in addition to have messagesdirectly from the master copy or from someone who has been sent yesteryear the Omanhene to deliver a message. After receiving the message the master copy of Atibie in addition to so passes it on to
the master copy of Jejeti.
The adjacent segmentation is led yesteryear Pepease followed yesteryear Twenedurase, Nteso, Ahinase in addition to Nkwantanang inwards that monastic tell who all constitute the Kyidom segmentation in addition to are from the Ekona clan. They protect the spot of paramountcy that is the Omanhene of Kwahu Traditional surface area when Benkum Division, Nifa Division in addition to Adonten Division are away. They take comprehend in addition to also send re-enforcement to aid the 3 divisions.
Kyidom is referred to equally the render unit. In damage of direction in addition to relay of messages, the kyidom segmentation receives data through the Pepeasehene who is the caput of Kyidom Division. He in addition to so passes the data on toTwendurase, Nteso, Ahinnase in addition to Nkantang master copy respectively.
Akwasiho is also nether Kyidom segmentation according to data gathered.
They back upwards the Gyaasehene to aid protect the Omanhene in addition to all who assist the Omanhene. Administratively the Akwasiho master copy who has been raised to the same bird equally Gyaasehene helps to render data to the balance of the fly chiefs who afterward send it to their subordinate chiefs.
Customs in addition to Tradition
The Family (Abusua)
The identify unit of measurement scheme is really wide, that is the extended traced through blood relation. It includes the living, the dead in addition to those who are yet to live born. This usually forms the identify unit of measurement genealogy. This has made it possible for an private to acquire a social being. The identify unit of measurement scheme amidst Kwahus include: children (mma), parents
(awofo), grandparents (nananom) in addition to slap-up grandchildren nanakansua, uncles (wofanom) in addition to aunties (nakuma), napayin in addition to nephews (wofaasenom). The identify unit of measurement scheme inwards Kwahu controls societal relations betwixt people inwards a given society. It does non allow 1 to get married a unopen relative.
The caput of the identify unit of measurement inwards Kwahu is called Abusuapanyin in addition to his spokesperson is called Abusua Kyeame. Fathers are known to live heads of families when it comes to the nuclear system. In Kwahu one‟s father‟s blood brother is also considered equally his or her father. The children telephone band their father‟s sisters equally sewaa, on the other manus the mother‟s brothers are known equally uncles wofa. The mother‟s sisters are known equally napayin. Napayin is the eldest woman parent in addition to Nakuma, youngest mother.
When 1 gets married to a somebody inwards a especially family, the parents of the spouse in addition to so acquire in-laws (nsew). The man‟s brothers telephone band their brothers‟ wives equally their wives in addition to telephone band the wife‟s blood brother equally akonta. The sisters telephone band their brothers‟ wives equally nkuma. The scheme made it possible for a somebody to literally have got many fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, brothers in addition to sisters. The kinship systems fifty-fifty extend to comprehend the “living–dead” in addition to the yet to live born children.
The family/kinship scheme has made it possible for the prevention in addition to solution of conflicts, disputes betwixt members of the same identify unit of measurement which is usually presided over yesteryear the identify unit of measurement head. The identify unit of measurement acts equally an insurance scheme to support/assist the private inwards times of need. When 1 suffers 1 does non endure lone but alongside the entire family. When he rejoices he or she rejoices alongside his kinsmen.
Kwahu Totemism
The clan scheme inwards Kwahu has some mutual features similar whatsoever other ethnic groups. The identify unit of measurement has a vertical scheme which stretches vertically to include the totemic spirits, identify unit of measurement spirit in addition to the likes. In this way the identify unit of measurement performs rituals to maintain the human relationship alongside their deities (spirits). The clan has some animals or plants which are regarded equally having special human relationship alongside the clan. The totem is a visual symbol that mostly unifies the clan. Members of the clan usually regard these totems.
The Totem of the Bretuo Clan: The leopard is a visual symbol that is used to stand upwards for the Bretuo clan. It is believed that a leopard 1 time turned to a human being in addition to got married to a woman. The leopard did non settle permanently alongside the woman. The adult woman in addition to so complained of frequent movements (mabrε ne otuo). This was corrupted to Bretuo. Another saying was that, the call originated equally a resultant of people who were fond of picking mushrooms which became mire tufuo which was also corrupted to Bretuo.
The Bretuo identify unit of measurement were Akusiase Agosum in addition to his sis Asiama Nyame. Other elders include Tutu Kwa in addition to Antwi Kurufa Daaduam. The Tena siblings afterward joined this identify unit of measurement at Kububiase (Ahensan inwards the Ashanti Region). Initially they settled at Pra, Ofe, Oda river Basins, Ayaase in addition to afterward settled at Mampong in addition to Seniagya. In Kwahu, the Bretuo clan settled at the next areas: Abetifi, Twenedurase, Pepease in addition to Nteso.
* The Totem of the Aduana Clan : The totem for the Aduana clan is a dog, alongside burn downwardly inwards its oral fissure or emitting burn downwardly from its mouth. It was this animate beingness (dog) which led them to their settlement. They highly regard the dog, in addition to anything that they say often comes to pass. It is believed that their oral fissure is supposed to send burn downwardly (won ano yε gya).
The next are curses when it is performed or done yesteryear an Aduana. That is when they go naked earlier an pismire loma in addition to also when an Aduana squats in addition to sneezes 3 times against an pismire hill.In Kwahu the Aduana settled at Obomeng, Pitiko, Obo in addition to Bepong. The Aduana take hold the business office of Fotosanfoc hene inwards the Kwahu traditional area.
*The Totem of the Asona Clan: The totem for Asona is the crow (kwaakwaadabi) or (Anene). It was mentioned that a gongong was beaten to denote the decease of Nana Onyankopcn in addition to they needed someone or a clan to go in addition to wake him up. The crow went to where Nana Onyankopon was in addition to started shouting Kwame, Kwaame! (God‟s name). Another clan said to the crow, allow ears balance (momma or ma aso nna) which was corrupted to Asona.
It is claimed that component of the Asona came from the Buno kingdom, Adanse Ayaase, Mankessim in addition to Abuakwa (Akyem Ahwenease). In Kwahu, they settled at Mpraeso in addition to Pepease. The Kyidom stool has been inwards favour of the Asona clan that is the post service of the master copy spokesman of the Asona clan. This has e'er been to the Asona clan from Pepease.
*The Totem of the Asakyiri Clan: The vulture (cpεtε) is the totem for the Asakyiri. It is claimed that Asakyiri in addition to Asona were brothers in addition to sisters siblings in addition to were known equally Asona ne Akyiri which was corrupted to Asakyiri. Asakyiri followed Asona in addition to settled at Bono Manso. The women adopted the vulture equally their totem in addition to the males (men) also adopted the vulture equally their totem equally they were calm, peace-loving. Later they accepted the vulture equally a symbol for the whole clan.
The Asakyiri is said to have got migrated from to a greater extent than or less Lake Republic of Chad to the Bono state, in addition to and so founded Akyerεkyerε province alongside the majuscule at Fomate. The leader was Asone Nyansa. He made his people acquire craft. They were defeated in addition to annexed yesteryear Dankyira.
*The Totem of the Agona Clan: The totem alongside which the Asona clan is associated is the parrot (Ako) which is noted for its fluency. Probably that mightiness live the argue why Agonas are fluent inwards their speech. It is highly hard to reckon an Agona who is dumb/ cannot talk.It is noted that Agonas hailed from Dankyira during the reign of Ntim Gyakari in addition to also from the Ayokoc of Asante. There was a state of war betwixt Agonas of Dankyira
in addition to Ayokoc of Asante equally a resultant of Osei Tutu who was the Ayokohene, cutting off an ear each of the toll- collectors of Dankyira.
Kofi Agyei, who was popularly known equally Okomfo Anokye, was in addition to so the master copy priest (traditional) who commanded Ntim Gyakari to sacrifice a fair lady equally a sign of victory over the Asantehene (the King of Asantes). Unfortunately the adult woman (fair lady) that they sacrificed was afterward discovered to live ckomfo Anokye‟s ain woman parent who was used for the ritual. Okomfo Anokye in addition to so turned against Dankyiras in addition to supported the Asante state. This fourth dimension he said a leader or a full general should offering himself to live shot equally a sacrifice. The human being who offered himself was Tweneboa Kodua. Because of the sacrifice, at that spot is a saying that Kodua de ne ti agye Asante-man.
Ntim Gyakari was unaware in addition to thought victory was almost his so he was released in addition to was playing a draft (oware) alongside his married adult woman Gyamea when some slaves used to entertain them. These slaves had component of their bodies chopped off especially their noses, eyes, ears, flesh of their arms in addition to their haunch backs removed. They played music in addition to danced to entertain the King.
It was at that spot that the King was attacked in addition to beheaded. The caput was taken to Kumasi equally a sign of victory. The Asante manful somebody monarch stepped on the caput equally a footstool. This saw the decline of the Dankyira province in addition to the consequent ascent of the Asante Kingdom. The Agonas are the occupants of the Banmu stool. Through matrimony some Agonas of Asantes in addition to other ethnic groups in addition to Bukuruwa, which is at nowadays a province at Kwahu came to settle at Kwahu.
*The Totem of the Asene / Asenie Clan: The totem associated alongside the Asene clan is Apan (the bat) which is their totem. According to Koranteng (1997:45), the Aseneε clan was founded at Amakom. They were the adjacent minute grouping that got settled at Kwahu after the Aduana. As warriors their appellation is Aseneε kodi Adcnten. In times of wars the Aseneεs are the scouts, they follow the Twafo group. They are e'er at the left in addition to correct wings at wars.
Aseneε migrated from the Northern component of Burkina Faso in addition to built Peminiase in addition to other component founded Amakom. Some of the Aseneε clan inwards Kwahu kickoff settled at Kεsepcn, Tutuso in addition to Abetifi. Others went to
settle at Aboaso, Baman in addition to Agona. But through matrimony in addition to migration the Aseneεclan tin can at nowadays live constitute inwards other parts of Kwahu.
*The Totem of the Ayokuo/Oyoko Clan: The totem that is associated alongside the Ayokoc clan is the Hawk (csansa) which is noted for its rapacity. There is an adage which says that Osansa fa adeε a כּde kyerε
amansan. It tries to exhibit its braveness yesteryear showing whatever it picks to the world yesteryear lifting it high. The Ayokoc clan is forbidden to consume Buffalo (εkoc) but inwards the past, during a severe famine, they were compelled to consume it. They were been laughed at for eating buffalo, which they were non supposed to eat. The people used to say Awe-εkocfo which has been corrupted to Ayokofoa. The Ayokuo clan from Kuntunasi inwards Kumasi during the state of war were the kickoff to settle at Atibie Kwahu.
Koranteng (1997:45), farther stated that some other grouping from Kumasi also migrated from Juaso to Pepease inwards Kwahu. There was a misunderstanding betwixt the in addition to so Asante King Nana Opoku Ware I in addition to Nana Frimpong Manso of Dampon who ruled component of Kwahu, Akyem in addition to Asante. The people got married in addition to also migrated to other parts of Kwahu. In Kwahu the Ayokuo take hold the business office of Gyaase.
*The Totem of the Ekuona Clan: The totem for Ekuona clan is Buffalo εkoc. It simply agency Massiveness. Once 1 time to a greater extent than Koranteng (1997:47) wrote that „it was a hunter who discovered a herd of buffalo εkoc which turned themselves into human beings‟.The hunter became interested inwards 1 of the woman somebody buffalos in addition to took its hide. When they were nigh to return, 1 of the females could never uncovering her hide. The hunter finally came out from his hide-out when the animals left, in addition to took the animate beingness adult woman for a wife. The descendants thus called themselves Εkocnafo
It is believed that the Εkocna clan originated close Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya in addition to also Kokofu at Bugyeikrom. The Εkocna clan founded Fomena during the reign of Nana Ntim Apau in addition to Bantua who was in addition to so the queen woman parent of Fomena. The Εkocna clan founded Asckcre, Otikrom, Kwaaman, Faabaware, Sekyerεand Mampcnten. Amoakoa who was the ancestress of Εkuona arrived at Pepease from Fomena. The balance from the Tena Bretuo identify unit of measurement at Kwahu in addition to other members migrated in addition to got married to other Kwahu citizens.
Totems are sacred emblems symbolizing mutual identities. Totems which are visual symbols that stand upwards for plants, animals in addition to sometimes natural items are carved or sculptured on a monument equally a representative of a detail paradigm of told stories nigh ancestors, animals in addition to spirits. These are also associated alongside ceremonies. In totemic rites, people get together together to honour their totem. In so doing they usage rituals to maintain the social oneness that the totem symbolizes.
In damage of kinship the paramount spot inwards Kwahu is from the Etene Bretuo clan who is inwards a somebody of Daasebre Akuma Boateng is the Omanhene of Kwahu. The same thing applies to fly chiefs, sub – chiefs, elders equally good equally citizens of Kwahu. Apart from the Bretuo clan which cast the paramouncy (Omanhene of Kwahu) the balance of the clan are Aduna clan, Agona, Asona, Asakyiri, Asene, Oyoko/Ayokuo, ekuona and
each clan has it ain Totem.
Benson Nana Yaw Oduro Boateng, popularly know equally Funny face, SWAGGON PAPA” others equally CHEMU. He hails from Kwahu Abetifi, but was born in addition to bred inwards Jamestown (British Accra).
Religious Belief
Kwahu people similar all Akans inwards Republic of Ghana in addition to Republic of Cote d'Ivoire believe inwards the Supreme Being in addition to a creator God called Nyame, Onyame kokroko. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 lot of names in addition to appellations have got been assigned to him such as
Omnipotent ,Onyame kokroko (Almighty God), Omniscient Ahuntahunu Nyame (The All-Knowing God in addition to the All seeing God), Omnipresent (God is everywhere), Onyankopon (Great Friend). He is the creator in addition to sustainer of the universe. As a creator they telephone band him Oboadae. God is invisible thus the people worship him indirectly through the lesser gods in addition to other spirits in addition to this led to the introduction of traditional faith inwards Kwahu Land.
In traditional religion, at that spot is a strong belief inwards the existence of divinities in addition to lesser gods. They are called abosom yesteryear the people of Kwahu. Some of the gods in addition to shrines inwards Kwahu Land include:
Bruku Shrine: Bruku is a mount that is located at Kwahu Tafo in addition to Kotoso. Because of its peculiar nature some of the Kwahu people worship the spirit believed to reside inwards it. It is a high stone projection which looks similar a spine of volcanic eruption. Bruku komfo stands on the shoulders of men when performing possessive dance. This attracts people to see the site. Apart from that, people go at that spot to seek spiritual assistance inwards times of sickness. Bruku komfo (priest) interacts alongside people. The chief-priest of Kwahu also consults it on of import occasions. Bruku abhors H2O yam (Afase).
Tigare Shrine: Tigare provides assistance in addition to protection to the people of Kwahu. This shrine is
located at Pepease close Nkwantanan (Nkeneku). Because of Christianity people do non patronize it equally it used to live inwards the olden days. Apart from Kwahu people, other ethnic groups also come upwards to the shrine to seek assistance in addition to protection.
Atia Yaw Shrine: Oral history has it that this shrine which is a mount at Nkwatia in addition to had a powerful priest called Atia Yaw. Atia Yaw is spiritual beingness in addition to held inwards high esteem inwards Kwahu
dry soil just equally Ɔkomfo Anokye was seen yesteryear the Asantes. It is recorded inwards Kwahu oral history that whilst Ɔkomfo Anokye was alive, Atia Yaw was also inwards existence performing wonders inwards Kwahu land. As elders say he is an invisible spirit. It is said that when he goes to town people felt his presence alongside a gunshot in addition to also an umbrella volition live seen moving without anybody holding it. He has an uncanny gift for prophesy in addition to whatever he prophesied came to pass. He could predict nigh in-coming problems, warn the chiefs in addition to elders to take necessary spiritual precautions yesteryear performing the necessary sacrifices to appease the gods. According to history something happened in addition to this super natural beingness left in addition to somebody tried to pose equally Atia Yaw in addition to he was arrested.
paradigm of Kwahu fetish priest
The Adowa River which is at Atibie is believed to live a habitat of a (god) bosom. Kwahu people believe inwards it too. They potable from it but do non fetch for others to drink. As a resultant of its sacredness to the Kwahu people they do non launder nor consume fish from it. Kwahu people revere Adowa River in addition to fright its wrath, so it is only on Fridays that corpse are allowed to cross the Adowa River. Due to that corpses are delayed at the Atibie infirmary till 6pm earlier they tin can cross the river. It is believe that the twenty-four hours ends at 6pm thus 1 tin can at nowadays cross the Adowa River alongside the corpse.
Kwahu people believe inwards the spirit of their departed ancestors. Like all Akans, they take the corpse of their citizens who perish exterior for befitting burial.
Ghanaian hiplife artist, Daniel Morris a.k.a Kobby of Wutah hails from Obomeng,kwahu.
Moral Values
Kwahus believe it is godly to live kind, respectful, good, generous, loving in addition to sympathetic to 1 another. Kwahus are good known travelers in addition to they are jolly careful non to appall anyone. They are quite humble in addition to honour others opinions. As a resultant of their business organisation in addition to trading activities they are noted for avoiding litigation. They hardly go to courtroom in addition to are willing to resort to alternative dispute resolution or forgive in addition to forget whatever occupation that 1 may have got alongside them. The kinship scheme inwards Kwahu shows that inwards whatsoever local grouping an private is a blood brother or a sister. This has truly helped to present a high sense of honour in addition to tolerance especially inwards their family. Relatives, especially, uncles aspect upwards to some of these goodness qualities earlier they provide for their nephews in addition to nieces.
Children are inculcated alongside a habit of self reliance in addition to also avoid beingness parasitic (that is to consume from other people‟s houses or rely on others for support). Vulgar linguistic communication inwards Kwahu dry soil is highly prohibited in addition to anybody who uses it brings disrespect to his or her family. People are tutored to usage cultured linguistic communication in addition to polite words borrowed from their elders at all times. For instance when 1 think to insult a kid or is referring to something degrading, he or she usage a polite give-and-take similar "sεbe."
Kwahu just similar all Akans uses Ananse stories (Anansesem), folktales, myths, proverbs, fine art forms
such equally paintings in addition to sculpture, to innovate people to moral values. For instance, an Ananse story says that, Ananse, because of his bad intentions to consume nutrient crops lone inwards a farm, got stuck to a gum inwards a farm in addition to the adjacent twenty-four hours was constitute glued to the gum alongside harvested nutrient crops close to him, agency that nosotros should non cheat, but 1 should rather live sincere to himself/herself in addition to others.
Hide in addition to seek (atetεatetε) or what Fante Akans called Kwaakwa in addition to Luna lite songs are played amidst the people to release sexual desire, for instance they play yesteryear saying that 1 should aspect for his or her hubby "Hwehwε mu na yi wo mpena." This is to release tension for children to acquire to some level
Games
In Kwahu the people entertain themselves yesteryear playing games similar Oware, Asoba yesteryear women, Agyako, Ndwomkro, etc. The games serves equally a source of amusement in addition to also people acquire knowledge in addition to increases 1 inventiveness level. Some games similar draft (dammy) in addition to oware are indoor games these are
made yesteryear the sculptor alongside wood.
Taboos (Superstitious Beliefs) Eyirwodea
Kwahu people has serious superstitious beliefs. This has truly helped to command bad habits inwards the communities in addition to to some extent, amend the lineament of life of the people. The people have got a notion that 1 should non cry on top of one‟s vocalisation when mentioning somebody‟s call inwards the night. It is believed that ghosts in addition to other spirits mightiness hear the call in addition to tin can spiritually manipulate them.The moral lesson is truly to halt people from making vibrations or crusade unnecessary distraction night.
It is also believed that, 1 should non sing whiles bathing. It is said that 1 who autumn prey to this human activity volition die. The prime number aim was to foreclose soap in addition to other chemicals from entering one‟s oral fissure patch bathing.
Another superstitious belief amidst Kwahu people is that 1 should non sweep at night. Parents say that 1 volition sweep away his / her success. The thought behind this superstitious belief is to protect people from losing their valuable items since, vision or visibility is impaired at night.
Kwahu people are good known inwards their trading or economical activities. At nighttime they do non sell items similar palm oil, charcoal in addition to other products. They usually spot pepper in addition to charcoal inwards the containers inwards which they spot their money after sales to foreclose evil spirits from taking some of the money or when somebody buys alongside evil money it volition non touching on their ain money.
Again, petty Kwahu traders tear little component of the money that 1 uses to purchase an item. At times they do non at nowadays add together the money to theirs or the money that they have got already collected. These things are done to foreclose people from snatching the money that they have got used to purchase items back. Some of the superstitious beliefs have got also contributed a lot to banking concern check the moral values of Kwahu people.
Kwahu tafo waterfall
Greetings
In Kwahu societies, greetings are 1 of the most of import etiquette that are expected from an individual. An private or a social grouping is obliged to greet or present respect, failure to comply shows: disrespect, offence, disregard, disappointment or embarrassment.
Rules of etiquette may vary from identify to place. In Europe at that spot is null incorrect if 1 does non greet or follow the appropriate direction. Actually at that spot are sure as shooting periods that 1 needs to greet in addition to also when 1 demand non to greet.
An private or whatsoever social grouping that fails to greet or pay compliment to the master copy in addition to his elders, Abusua Panyin, parents, sisters in addition to brothers in addition to the similar inwards Kwahu is usually described equally beingness disrespectful, arrogant in addition to many others.
In Kwahu the period of time that a somebody cannot greet is the fourth dimension that he is going to lav (private) or when is going to throw reject away at the reject dump (bola) or when he wakes upwards early on inwards the forenoon when he has no washed his human face upwards in addition to has non pasted his teeth.Usually when a Kwahu somebody is going to defecate, he may say that I am going to reckon the chief, see the master copy (mere ko ahenfie), mere ko hunu nananom, mere kc kyea
nana aba, mere ko yε meho yie aba. It is an insult when 1 greets, when going to such places mentioned above. But rather 1 tin can greet after returning from the lav or after emptying the bin at the reject dump (bola or sumena).
Morning greetings: In the morning, they usually say goodness forenoon (maakye) , me ma moment akye when they
are many in addition to some of the responses are: yaa, yaa oba (child), yaa nua (siblings or for historic period of time group), yaa agya (father), yaa εna (mother), yaa odo, yaa asew, yaa amu etc. The respondents sometimes add together this after responding to the greetings due ne awo.
Afternoon: In the afternoon they greet maa aha (good afternoon). For instance, when greeting fathers they unremarkably say: agya maa aha oo, mothers; εnanom me ma moment aha, friends; anuanom me ma moment aha in addition to identify unit of measurement members; abusua or abusuafo me ma moment aha. Response: Yaa, yaa cba, yaa agya, yaa εna, yaa cdc, yaa ascn, yaa krontc, yaa obogya, yaa ahenewa, yaa abraw etc. The respondent tin can farther say “due ne awia”.
Evening: Good even (ma adwo) for 1 somebody in addition to when they are many, me ma moment adwo, Father; agya me ma wo adwo, mother; εna me ma wo adwo in addition to identify unit of measurement members; abusua me ma moment adwo. Some responses for evening: Yaa, yaa egya, yaa εna, yaa mu, yaa ahenewa, yaa cdc, yaa cba etc. The respondent
in addition to so says, Due ne enwinu
Seasonal greetings: During Christmas, Easter, New Year, festivals in addition to the likes: Kwahus unremarkably greet similar whatsoever of the Akan speaking people, that is, Afehyiapa, me ma wo afehyiapa oo, yε ma moment afehyiapaoo etc. The response is that afe nko mmε to yεn, afe sesεε na yεte ase.
Birth Greetings: Tirinkwa (Luck), 1 somebody is me ma wo tirinkwa” in addition to for many people yε ma moment tirinkwa. The response is in addition to so mi ti daase(my luck give thanks) for 1 somebody in addition to yε ti daase for many people. Also they greet afiremu, ye ma moment afirimu or me ma wo afirimu.
Marriage: On an occasion similar matrimony they usually greet awareso oo (Happy marriage) or me ma wo awareso ( I wishing y'all happy marriage) or yε ma moment awareso oo (we wishing y'all happy marriage). They sometimes greet tirinkwa.
Success: When 1 comes out successfully inwards a programme, Kwahus do greet yesteryear saying Tirinkwa.
Funeral: How to greet when 1 loses a relative : hyε den (take heart), me ma wo hyε den, yε ma moment hyε
den, yaa ko, me ma wo yaa kc, ye ma moment yaa ko, due ne wo ba, due ne wo kunu or due
ne wo yere. The response is usually yaa.
Working Greetings: When 1 is working: The people usually greet yesteryear saying Adwuma (Work) or adwuma oo. The response is Adwuma yε! (Work or labour is good) yaa ayei. Greetings: Kitamu, the response is yaa or yaa nua in addition to some other greeting is moment ne adwuma, in addition to the response is me da ase (thank you).
Returning From Work or Journey Greetings: theyare usually said yesteryear Kwahu people when 1 is returning from work, function, or journey: Akwaaba (You are welcome), Akwaaba oo, yε ma wo Akwaaba,
me ma wo akwaaba. The response is Yaa, yaa anua (thank y'all my sibling), yaa odo (thank y'all my love), yaa ekunu ( give thanks y'all my husband), yaa εyere or yaa obi adeε etc.
When 1 takes a atomic number 82 inwards anything, inwards a function, at work, programme in addition to eating they greet: Adikan, me ma wo adikan, yε ma moment adikan. The response is unremarkably yaa, yaa cdc, wato me, yaa nua etc.
Eating – words of invitation Greetings: To invite a somebody to consume 1 may say “wato me” or “wato meoo” literally important y'all have got met me. The response is mesa wom (my manus is inwards the food), ma ne nko (let it go), koso (go on) or me da ase (thank you). Also they invite yesteryear saying Afriyie, wa firi yie, wo nim nante or wo nim nanteε y'all know how to walk. Also the somebody who meets the 1 eating tin can say adikan.
When a somebody is going to eat, he/she usually says: merekc yi me nsa aba, mere kc ka me nsa akyi aba or “mere kc ka mano aba. When 1 sends some other to go in addition to telephone band someone to come upwards in addition to consume they unremarkably say: bε hwε adeε, mama sε bεhwε adeε that is, come upwards in addition to aspect at something.
Sleeping – some mutual words used: The people say: mere kc da, mere kc yi mani so, this simply agency I am going to sleep. The response is da yie, slumber well.
Greeting chiefs/elders – some mutual words used: When chiefs, elders in addition to other groups are seated, the greeting is: me ma moment atenase, Nana, agya ne εna me ma moment atenase or mpanyinfo me ma moment atenase (I wishing y'all good seated, Nana {chief}. fathers in addition to mothers I wishing y'all good seated or elders i wishing y'all good seated). When they are many they greet: Nananom, mpanyinfo, Agyanom, εnanom ne anuanom me
ma moment atenase. One needs to curvature or bow to the master copy inwards a gathering when greeting. Children or teenagers or fifty-fifty adults are non supposed to moving ridge their hands inwards greeting a master copy for it does non present a sign of respect.
Women tin can spot their hands on their laps, go on their knees in addition to also moving ridge their hands to the elders. Men tin can greet chiefs in addition to elders at a gathering yesteryear lowering their stuff to their chest, bow in addition to moving ridge the hands to the master copy in addition to elders.The most of import thing to banker's bill is that the people greet from the correct manus side. This is the physical care for Kwahu people follow to welcome in addition to hear to people.
Cloth
Kwahu people wearing apparel similar whatsoever Akan group. The women usually spot on Kaba, Kente in addition to others. Men have on danta, twakoto, light stuff just to comprehend the private part; it is worn inwards a special style. Married women spot on kaba, slit in addition to some other piece. This was referred to equally Esoro ne fam kaba. Unmarried women in addition to immature girls also used to spot on kaba in addition to slit in addition to it was also known equally (baako ne kaba). These women usually have on the other slice yesteryear putting it to a greater extent than or less the neck.
Kwahus have got also adopted some aspect of other Ghanaian tribal cultures. As a resultant they at nowadays spot on vesture which includes fugu, batakari commonly used yesteryear the master copy priest. Suit in addition to diverse types of vesture are at nowadays used because of unusual influence in addition to other modernization.
Yaw Bediako Sampong, boy of Kwahu businessman, Ernest Bediako Sampong of Ernest Chemist
Ceremony (Adae Festival)
Adae
Kwahu people have got a calendar for sacred day. For instance, Adae. This is a period of time for ancestral veneration. At this fourth dimension prayers (libation) are offered to appease the ancestors, the gods in addition to other spirits of the dry soil in addition to the people equally well. People come upwards together to seek favour from the gods in addition to ancestors. The master copy priest in addition to his people offering food, meat in addition to drinks for the spirits of the dry soil every fortysecond (42nd) day.
The days constitute on the Kwahu calendar are: Fcdwoc, Efidamu, Benadapa, Awukudae, Ayawadae, Fida, Fofie, Benada Kwabena, Memenda Dapaa in addition to Akwasidae. Kwahus have got selected few of these days from the Akan calendar. Since Kwahus are noted to live hard-work in addition to are business organisation oriented people they do non want obstructions to touching on their business organisation activities.
During Adae Afahye, the chief, elders in addition to the world spot on white in addition to colourful kente vesture which is a production of textile. They do non ware mourning cloths. It is believed that the yesteryear chiefs are non dead but rather gone to the hamlet in addition to are using this slap-up chance to wake them upwards from their sleeping place. Some of the vesture they have on during such occasions have got names similar Obo nkwatia Aso bayirɛ dɔtɔ yede nam n’ayi nam dua koro gye mframa ebu.
Ornaments such equally earrings, rings bracelet, necklaces, etc are worn or possessed because they are thought to live beautiful to a greater extent than than their usefulness. Ornaments are used on the body for diverse reasons similar protection, beautification, sexual practice differentiation, equally a decorative measure, rank or status inwards the society.
Ornaments are usually worn during occasions similar social gatherings such a durbars, funeral festivals (Adea, Easter which has at nowadays been accepted equally Kwahu culture). Kwahu chiefs also appear at durbars alongside a lot of artifacts which present his wealth, powerfulness in addition to protection inwards the society. The master copy is thus regard equally a walking gallery since he is decorated alongside a lot of artifacts i.e. his vesture which is worn on the body, indigenous, sandals, jewellery, amulet, talisman, headgear, such equally (aduasa, apim) hat
Kwahu Easter
Kwahu people have got replaced Adae Kɛse especially afahye [ alongside Easter (Yesu amanehu) in addition to funeral (ayieyo) because of social in addition to fiscal challenges. They come upwards dwelling solid to encounter friends, relatives in addition to also
usage that period of time equally an chance to rest.
Most Kwahu citizens come upwards dwelling solid on Th the twenty-four hours earlier Easter Fri to encounter alongside their family. On Fri they go to church building in addition to take component inwards church building activities. In the even they come upwards out to the street to encounter friends.
On Sabbatum the whole community meets alongside the master copy in addition to elders of the towns inwards front end of the chief‟s palace or community centre. They hash out the welfare of the towns. If at that spot is whatsoever projection the people come upwards together in addition to contribute money towards it. They also organise communal labour to create clean the town.
There is also life band music which is played in addition to meant to entertain the crowd till daybreak. People usage that chance to innovate novel production in addition to sell different items to the public.
They have got been able to modify the programme yesteryear showing films to educate the youth nigh HIV, moral values, Girls kid teaching in addition to the like.
Paragliding at nowadays forms component of the Easter festivities. This is where a lot of people see the tourist site at Odwen Anoma for the paragliding. This is a projection that was initiated yesteryear the ministry building of tourism yesteryear Honourable Jake Obetsebi Lamptey in addition to the belatedly Samuel Ayim who had a fatal accident on Accra to Nkawkaw road. This projection was introduced yesteryear some white men. They usage the chance to
exhibit in addition to sell some items at Odwen Anoma Mountain inwards collaboration alongside Rockia.
The paramount master copy Omanhene of Kwahu Daasebrε Akuamoah Boateng II organise a durbar to encounter the citizens of Kwahu where the President of Republic of Ghana in addition to his Ministers attend the function.
Music
In Kwahu, music tin can live organized in addition to sung during occasions such equally festivals, durbars, birth, marriages, funeral et cetera. Kwahus are known to live gifted inwards music such equally highlife in addition to ordinary music.
Music refers to an organized audio that may live accompanied alongside musical instruments or without whatsoever instrument. It could live done yesteryear clapping, tapping the foot, drumming, singing, humming, ringing of bells, blowing of air current instruments such equally flutes, trumpets in addition to the like.
Kwahu human being (Asaase aban) in addition to ace Ghanaian all-time best highlife superstar,Nana Kwame Ampadu
Other instruments they usage for their music are bamboo, rattle, bells, apirempirensua, afrikyiwa, apirede, etc. Their music is arranged to suit the occasion or the period of time especially joyous music are arranges during festive occasions.
Kwahu human being in addition to musician, E K Nyame
Some of import musicians constitute inwards Kwahu are E.K Nyame (E.K‟s), Obouba J Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 Adofo, Nana
Ampadu, Obomeng Mireku, Ahima, Kwasi Ayaah, Oheneba Kissi, Kwodwo Antwi, Naa Agyeman in addition to the likes. Their music is meant for entertainment, religious worship, healing, listening for pleasure, relaxation,
attraction in addition to inspiration.
Kwahu human being in addition to Republic of Ghana highlife superstar, Obuoba J Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 Adofo
Dance
The indigenous trip the lite fantastic forms inwards Kwahu include Kete, Adankum, Ashuwa, Aboma in addition to Adowa (indigenous trip the lite fantastic form). Like the performance of music, dancing is usually performed inwards ceremonies involving birth, puberty, marriage, death, festivals, durbars in addition to other social gathering. The people sometimes spot on costumes when dancing in addition to others trip the lite fantastic bare footed. In Kwahu people trip the lite fantastic to entertain the crowd,
aid to relax in addition to for people to limited their appreciation to loved ones.
Adowa dance
When an of import guest/personality gets to the flooring to dance, people enhance their hands in addition to stretch the minute in addition to tertiary fingers upon the somebody or invitee who is on the flooring dancing.
Kwahu people doing traditional dance
Medicine
Some sicknesses are also healed through performance (Music, trip the lite fantastic in addition to drumming). The (traditional priest) ɔkomfo or (herbalist) dunsini usually perform diverse rites in addition to rituals to heal the sick. Libation is usually poured to appease the gods (gyabom). For instance, when a spell is cast on someone, gyabom is usually placed at the entrance of a palace to ward off whatsoever evil spirit or someone alongside bad intension. All the powers are suppress at nowadays the somebody alongside an evil intention passes by.
source:http://dspace.knust.edu.gh:8080/xmlui/bitstream/handle/123456789/328/KWAHU%20CULTURAL%20VALUES-CONTENTS.pdf
Chieftaincy inwards Kwahu
The numerous townships inwards Kwahu have got chiefs who principle or dominion the people inwards their localities. The paramount stool is at Abene, which is the Tena/Bretuo lineage monitor who is currently inwards the somebody of Daasebrε Akuamoah Boateng II is the paramount chief. His mother, Nana Gyamfuah is the queen woman parent of the Kwahu traditional area. She is the longest in addition to youngest queen woman parent ever known inwards the history of Kwahu in addition to entire Ghana. There are other wing, palanquin chiefs in addition to queen mothers inwards Kwahu. They have got been able to ensure peace in addition to evolution inwards the locality.
Kwahus inwards full general do non take keen involvement inwards political party politics equally compared to other ethnic groups inwards Ghana. They are known to back upwards whatsoever regime who comes to power. They know that if they oppose the regime inwards powerfulness their businesses are probable to collapse, since they engage inwards all sorts of businesses.
Enstoolment
The occupant of the Kwahu stool must come upwards from the (Tena/Bretu) clan. The somebody who is to acquire a master copy must come upwards from the royal home. It is the elders of the royal identify unit of measurement (abusua mpanyinfoc) in addition to the queen woman parent who nominate the 1 who is to acquire a master copy inwards Kwahu land. Yet the nomination is to live approved yesteryear the citizens of the Abene Town.
Such a somebody must have got goodness character, but knowledgeable, respectful in addition to all the goodness qualities a master copy or manful somebody monarch must possess. Kwahu chiefs sit down on stools in addition to the championship of the paramountcy is Daasebrε. After the alternative of a suitable royal person, the master copy is quarantined where he is educated on the customs in addition to traditions of the land. He is also taught how to speak inwards public, trip the lite fantastic in addition to walk majestically.
The chiefs are blindfolded in addition to are allowed to go to the stool room where all the yesteryear chiefs‟ stools have got been kept. The 1 that he touches becomes his stool name. For instance if he picks a stool bearing the call Daasebrε Nana Akuamoah Boateng II, he uses it equally his stool name.
In some cases the master copy tin can get married the wives of the dead chief. It is the master copy who decides who to marry. He only has to inform the elders in addition to the queen mother. During durbars in addition to functions, the chiefs wearing apparel nicely inwards Kente cloths in addition to regalia.
Destoolment
Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 master copy is destooled if he misbehaves or disobeys the laws of the land. For instance if he sells stool lands. The chief‟s sandals are removed when he is beingness destooled. This is announced to the public. Destoolment tin can live done yesteryear the queen mother.
Funerals for Chiefs
When a master copy dies they do non denote it inwards public. It is the fly chiefs who are kickoff informed. Later they send drinks to inform the other chiefs in addition to elders. Later, a appointment volition live fixed for his burial ceremony. Nobody volition live permitted to have got a funeral until the master copy is buried. This paradigm shows a master copy at some other chief‟s funeral alongside a gun. The firing of a musketry alongside a grass or go out inwards his mouth, it signifies that nosotros are inwards a bad mood thus nosotros do non speak alongside 1 another. His appearance depict that if decease was similar a state of war to live fought they would have got struggle for him to foreclose his death. This lawsuit is so dramatic which is an aspect of art.
Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 caprine animal is slaughtered in addition to shared amidst those who are closer to the stool to cleanse them. For ii (2) weeks all the citizens mourn the master copy in addition to spot on dark cloths (Kuntukuni). The wives in addition to children, cousins or relatives unopen to the stool are shaved in addition to their shaved pilus is used equally a pillow. Anybody at all tin can do the shaving. It volition live placed nether his bed where he volition live set inwards state. It signifies that if decease could live fought yesteryear men all the people who shaved would have got gone to state of war alongside the decease to salve the dead chief.
At the lastly twenty-four hours of the burial a shed volition live erected inwards front end of the palace in addition to so at that spot volition live firing of musketry (firing of gun). The special identify where the master copy who is the occupant of the stool is set to balance is known equally Kwayε Kεsim (virgin forest).
The fly chiefs, paramount master copy in addition to elders volition live informed nigh the burial. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 twenty-four hours earlier the burial, at 12.00am (mid-night), no commoner or an ordinary somebody should live seen around. They in addition to so pay or swear an Oath of allegiance at the identify where the master copy is buried. After the burial the novel master copy that has been elected is kept inwards a room. If everybody agrees in addition to at that spot is no dispute surrounding the chieftaincy they tin can install the novel master copy immediately.
He is in addition to so carried on shoulders in addition to and so placed on the stool 3 times. Powder is in addition to so poured on him. His existent changes to the stool call in addition to 1 cannot telephone band him yesteryear his one-time call or insult him. He is in addition to so addressed alongside the stool name
Death in addition to Funeral Ceremony (as a sign of respect)
Death concludes the life cycle. It is considered a alter from a physical life to a spiritual life. It is believed that the dead somebody leaves the physical world for the spiritual world. Therefore, when a somebody dies, the traditional Kwahu person, similar other Ghanaian believes that he is making a journeying to the adjacent world, where he may live equally an ancestor. Death is said to live a span betwixt the world of human beings in addition to that of the spirits. Therefore, when a somebody dies, it is believed that he continues to have got contact alongside the living. Thus, the ceremonies in addition to rituals performed for the corpse emphasize the unbroken identify unit of measurement human relationship betwixt the living in addition to the dead.
Rituals for the Dead (Respect/ Togetherness)
When a somebody dies, relatives perform funeral rites. They give the dead a plumbing equipment burial in addition to afterward give offerings of nutrient in addition to drinks to the spirits of the dead. The dead on their component are believed to play an of import role inwards the lives of their families. Their role is to guide in addition to protect them. They are also thought to serve inwards the spirit world equally the elders of the family. Wherever at that spot is decease at that spot are carefully planned ceremonies in addition to rituals. For example, at that spot are rituals for the burial, funeral in addition to the dead. The traditional Kwahu somebody believes that unless the proper rites are performed the spirit of the dead volition non live able to bring together the spirits of their ancestors. But if the proper rites are performed they would live welcomed.
When decease comes, it concerns everybody inwards the community. Although at that spot are differences inwards the ceremonies in addition to the rituals performed for the dead, communities inwards Kwahu care for the corpses according to sex, historic period of time in addition to status. For instance, amidst most communities, the funeral of a kid is different from that of an adult. There are few rites in addition to footling weeping. Funerals of chiefs in addition to queen mothers are different from those
of ordinary people. Among some communities, when a somebody dies through an accident, kid birth, or suicide it is considered to live (a bad death). People who perish inwards whatsoever of these ways are non given the usual burial in addition to their funeral rites are non performed. When these are done it is believed that such incidents volition occur 1 time to a greater extent than inwards the dead person‟s family.
Kwahus uncovering funeral anniversaries equally of import ceremonies for the dead. They are considered memorial days on which rituals are performed. Such memorial days are observed at different intervals. Some celebrate it there, four, eight, fifteen, twoscore or fifty-fifty fourscore days after death. Others uncovering it half dozen weeks or a twelvemonth after death. There are stages inwards a funeral celebration. Each phase involves special performances of
rights.
Preparation of the Corpse
When a somebody dies, the corpse is washed in addition to and so dressed according to the age, sexual practice in addition to status of the person. The body is in addition to so set inwards province for mourning. The washing, dressing in addition to laying inwards province of the deceased are mostly the duty of the elderly women inwards the family. The world is non allowed to reckon them washing corpse they are believed to live sacred.
The corpse is dressed inwards a rich kente stuff alongside a golden chain. However, they take in addition to supersede them alongside a uncomplicated wearing apparel earlier the corpse is spot into the coffin.
i. Pre-Burial Mourning
There is pre-burial mourning when the body is set inwards state. The body is set inwards province inwards the identify unit of measurement head‟s house, the father‟s solid or the deceased‟s ain house. Some people lay the body inwards province inwards an opened upwards porch inwards the solid or inwards the sitting (living) room.
Whilst the body is lying inwards state, relatives, friends in addition to other sympathizers come upwards to mourn alongside the bereaved identify unit of measurement in addition to to pay the lastly honour to the deceased person. The arrival of mourners to the funeral grounds mostly involves wailing. The women inwards detail sing dirges that tell how lamentable it is that the deceased is no more. Usually, a unopen relative is selected to sit down at the bedside to have sympathizers.
It is the custom inwards most communities to nowadays gifts patch the body is lying is state. Gifts such equally coins, handkerchiefs, cloths, rings in addition to a calabash are (presented) to the dead person. It is believed that since the deceased is traveling to the spirit world, he needs money for his or her fare in addition to other expenses. The calabash, for example, volition live used for drinking water.
ii. Burial
The fourth dimension of burial is the most dramatic in addition to sorrowful period. There is much wailing in addition to singing of to a greater extent than dirges. All this is because the people experience they volition non reckon the deceased somebody again. Some Kwahus pour libation to Asase Yaa (Mother Earth) to enquire for permission to dig a grave for the burial. The grave diggers are given drinks such equally schnapps, money, fowls or sheep depending on what custom demands inwards the
community.
Putting the corpse inwards a coffin is seen yesteryear only a few relatives. In some communities, it is this fourth dimension that special parting rites are performed to intermission the human relationship betwixt the deceased somebody in addition to the immediate relations: widower, widows in addition to children inwards particular. The coffin is usually provided yesteryear the widower/widow or the children of the deceased person, or whatsoever other persons equally custom demands. Gifts presented are spot in
the coffin. In some communities, the lastly somebody to nowadays a gift is the widow or widower. Gifts such equally coins, calabashes, little slice of stuff in addition to rings are spot inwards the coffin earlier it is covered.
In some communities amidst the Kwahus, widows or widowers of the deceased are non allowed to bring together the funeral procession to the cemetery. They only do so upwards to some distance in addition to return. At the grave-side, a relative of the dead somebody pours libation earlier the coffin is lowered into the grave. Among the people of Kwahu, whatsoever mourner returning from the grave-side is expected to launder his hands. For this purpose a container filled alongside H2O inwards spot at the entrance to the house. It is believed that if this is non done the somebody mightiness take some bad luck from the cemetery.
iii. Mourning after Burial
In most communities, mourning goes on for at to the lowest degree viii days after burial. During this period, really unopen relatives fast. They remain away from the main nutrient of the communities in addition to may live on drinks, eggs, kola, porridge in addition to so on.
iv. The Funeral Day
Formerly, the funeral twenty-four hours was different from the twenty-four hours of burial. It was a day
usually set aside yesteryear the identify unit of measurement to mourn in addition to recall the dead. This twenty-four hours was a great
social occasion. The twenty-four hours was announced to all relatives in addition to friends. Nowadays, the
funeral takes identify inwards the twenty-four hours of the burial of the corpse. During grooming for the
funeral, people hire chairs in addition to canopies, invite band groups, provide drinks in addition to food
for visitors in addition to mourners. On the nighttime earlier the funeral day, wake is kept. During
this time, at that spot is singing of traditional songs, dancing in addition to firing of musketry. On the
funeral twenty-four hours unopen relatives sit down together at a detail identify where they tin can live easily
recognized. They have on black, red, whatsoever dark-brown or adinkra cloth. Some Akan
widows in addition to widowers have on raffia to a greater extent than or less their elbows. This signifies that since the
spouse is dead at that spot is nobody to depend on. In fact the widower is compared to the
raffia which is light. Mourners inwards other communities may spot leaves betwixt their lips
to signify that alongside the decease of their partners they have got null to eat. In other
communities, sympathizers do non milk tremble hands alongside the widow or widower. In the
past, some unopen relatives similar children, widows in addition to widowers were shaved.
On the funeral day, when sympathizers arrive, they go circular to milk tremble hands
alongside members of the bereaved identify unit of measurement who are seated at 1 place. All sympathizers
give donations to aid to pay for some of the funeral expenses. Such donations are
announced to the public. Death is the inevitable cease of a man, but it is believed a
transition from this nowadays earthly life to some other life inwards the spirits or the spiritual
give-and-take Asamando.
Kwahus are similar Egyptians who believe inwards life after decease in addition to pay attending to
the dead. They telephone band the deceased somebody because of that Kwahu people give a befitting
burial to the dead. They seek equally much equally possible to take the dead somebody body home
for burial. It is hard for them to bury their citizens exterior Kwahu.
Types of Death
i. Natural Death (Owupa)
This is a type of decease where an private grows to a considerable historic period of time before
dying. The somebody may perish of some sickness.
ii. Accidental Death
This is a variety of decease that occurs equally a resultant of accidents. The next may
live some of the causes of accidental death: motor accidents, serpent bites, trees falling on
an individual, etc.
iii. Suicidal Death
This is a type of decease where an private intentionally commits suicide. Here,
a somebody uses a knife, poison, etc to kill himself / herself.
4.31 How Kwahu People Handle the Dead
When someone is at the dot of death, it is the custom of Kwahu people to give water
to the person. Because they believed that the somebody volition live thristy since he volition travel
a long distance to achieve the underworld.
In Kwahu when 1 finally dies, the body volition live kept in-door for the
necessary planning to live done yesteryear the elders in addition to abusua panyin. They would usage that
chance to go circular in addition to inform the relatives abusuafuo in addition to friends. Normally, if
the decease occurred inwards the forenoon or afternoon the body would live sent to the cemetery
amusie for burial. Also if the somebody died at nighttime or inwards the even the people would
maintain wake, inform relatives the adjacent twenty-four hours in addition to bury the body.
On the other manus the body could live kept for 3 to 4 days after which
they would bury the person. They used to embalm the body. Some years past, they
used schnapps, cement, corn doe in addition to also special herbs which helped them to preserve
the body. They smeared it all over the dead body. Sometimes they spot the dead person
on a bucket or sleeping accommodation pot which served equally container to shop the fluid that would
drain or come upwards out from the dead person.
This was done to enable them go circular to inform the elders, master copy mourners,
abusua panyin, relatives in addition to friends of the deceased person. They usage to give people
potable (pito) when they were going to inform them nigh the number at hand.
First in addition to foremost, the lineage head, Abusua Panyin is at nowadays informed
nigh the dead in addition to and so the begetter of the deceased somebody is also informed.
The elders of the identify unit of measurement of the deceased somebody have got to take drinks in addition to money
to the Chief‟s Palace Ahenfie to inform the master copy in addition to his elders.
Minor / Children
It is the duty of the begetter to brand the necessary organisation alongside the elderberry for
burial. If the somebody is the kickoff kid of the parent to die, they do non demand to brand any
large funeral. It should live something uncomplicated just to grade the ceremony. Also, it is a
custom for them to have on white vesture adinkra instead of dark (birisi) that they
unremarkably usage for funerals. This is usually done just to foreclose frequent decease of
children inwards the family. It is believed that when y'all brand it large in addition to so decease would
e'er knock at one‟s door. It is the duty of the abusua panyin in addition to his elders to bury a
somebody inwards a identify unit of measurement who is non yet married.
Death of a Wife
It is the responsibleness of the hubby to defray the toll of burial rite when his
married adult woman dies. The hubby has to purchase the coffin, unless he did non get married her properly.
Even that, the (husband) volition perform the matrimony rite earlier the adult woman volition be
buried. The hubby has to take the wife‟s body dwelling solid for burial if it occurred outside
her hometown. That is why elders sometimes encourage people to get married from home.
Death of Husband
The province of affairs hither is quite different when the hubby dies. It is the children
who purchase the coffin only if they are grown. Other than that, the man‟s clan volition take up
the responsibleness to bury their relative (dehyeε).
Burial in addition to Funeral
In Kwahu when 1 dies the body is unremarkably set inwards province on Fri inwards the
evening. This is known equally wake keeping in addition to it depends on one‟s religion. Adventists
have got their wake keeping on Thursdays or Sabbatum evenings. One is non permitted to
cross the river Adowa at Atibie alongside a corpse if it is non passed half dozen inwards the even to
the mountains. Usually relatives hold back at Nkawkaw or at the Atibie Government
infirmary until 6.00pm earlier they cross the river alongside the corpse.
Now, inwards Kwahu they have got set a period of time inwards which they have got their funerals. The
people telephone band it ayida in addition to usually the period of time is 1 calendar month alongside the exception of Obo that
celebrate funerals frequently. This is to aid Kwahu people non to move every
weekend for funerals. Also the elders assume that during that period of time or the ayida other
friends, relatives in addition to sympathizers would live able to attend the funeral. But if families
have got the agency they tin can have got the funeral on whatsoever twenty-four hours that they want. Some people
prefer to have got it alone.
Those who do non have got the agency in addition to cannot maintain the body for long tin can bury
the corpse on whatsoever twenty-four hours but tin can hold back to perform the funeral rite during the ayida where
they volition have got the chance to have got a lot of people to mourn alongside them
On Sabbatum a religious service takes identify when prayers are said for the
deceased somebody if he or she was a Christian. Tributes nigh the deceased are read by
relatives in addition to friends on Sabbatum inwards the morning. It is the children of the deceased
somebody who dig the grave for burial. They take the coffin alongside the body to the cemetery
for burial. On their render from the cemetery H2O is placed at the entrance of the
solid for people who went to the cemetery to launder their hands.
Funeral: (Ayieyε)
After the burial which usually occurs on Saturday, people pay their lastly respect
to the dead person. People acquire to the funeral grounds alongside vino or drinks equally a token for
the bereaved family. The vino nsawa would live spot inwards a gourd in addition to shared for the
people.
Still some people donate drinks – soft in addition to strong together alongside money to the
deceased person‟s identify unit of measurement instead of wine. Probably the dead somebody left relatives that
demand to live taken attention of.
During the funeral the bereaved identify unit of measurement serves nutrient in addition to drinks of all kinds for
the relatives in addition to friends since they have got sat long in addition to mightiness live hungry. There is always
a master copy of the funeral ceremony nea cte ayipaso. Now it has been modified, at that spot is
an announcer who keeps people informed nigh what goes on at the funeral grounds.
People in addition to so hear to music in addition to trip the lite fantastic till they close.
In Kwahu the funeral ceremony comes to an cease precisely half dozen o‟clock inwards the
evening. On Monday, the Abusua Panyin, elders, relatives, children in addition to family
members of the deceased somebody sit down downwardly in addition to deliberate on issues nigh the funeral.
The elders aspect for a successor to supersede the deceased so that he/she volition be
able to take attention of the things the deceased has left behind. The heir (odiadefo) tin can be
selected from the same lineage, the same solid or from some other solid of the same
lineage. For instance if the hubby dies, the eldest blood brother inwards his solid or other clan
of some other solid tin can live selected to supersede the deceased in addition to take over his property.
If he left behind a wife/wives or children, his blood brother tin can get married the married adult woman or
wives in addition to attention for the children equally his own. Also his blood brother tin can create upwards one's hear non to marry
his brother‟s married adult woman or wives. They also calculate the toll that was incurred during the
funeral celebration. If at that spot was whatsoever loss they volition portion it amidst the family, in addition to the
children. After the funeral rite the identify unit of measurement members or relatives, go circular in addition to thank
friends in addition to sympathizers who came to assist or mourn alongside them.
The identify unit of measurement members finally go to their respective places where they came from. After
twoscore (40) days the relatives opened upwards the deceased torso or box (adaka).
source:http://dspace.knust.edu.gh:8080/xmlui/bitstream/handle/123456789/328/KWAHU%20CULTURAL%20VALUES-CONTENTS.pdf
What is the component of the “Queen Mother” tradition amidst the Kwahu people of Ghana?
Social organisation inwards all Akan kingdoms is based on matrilineal descent. Within kingdoms, the basic grouping is the clan, of which at that spot are viii inwards total, alongside members of each clan often occupying every town in addition to hamlet (Encyclopedia of Worm Cultures 1995, p. 11-12; Associate Professor of Folklore 6 Oct. 1999). Each town or hamlet has a royal identify unit of measurement (the identify unit of measurement that kickoff settled there), in addition to from this royal identify unit of measurement the master copy in addition to the queen woman parent are selected yesteryear the elders of the royal family, the chief, or the queen woman parent (Associate Professor of Folklore 6 Oct. 1999). Occasionally the master copy in addition to queen woman parent are related to each other equally woman parent in addition to son, but to a greater extent than often they are uncle in addition to niece, aunt in addition to nephew, cousins, etc. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 carved wooden stool is the symbol of authority, in addition to the master copy in addition to queen woman parent are “enstooled,” equally European monarchs are enthroned (Stoeltje 1997, p. 51; Associate Professor of Folklore 6 Oct. 1999).
Queen mothers are the “most important” officials involved inwards selection of the master copy in addition to are–sometimes called the “supreme manful somebody monarch makers” (Encyclopedia of World Cultures 1995, p. 12; Ofori eleven Nov. 1991). The queen woman parent is knowledgeable of the clan genealogy, in addition to she may have got her ain courtroom in addition to live assisted yesteryear other clan officials (Encyclopedia of Worm Cultures 1995, p. 11-12; Ofori eleven Nov. 1991). “One of [the queen mother's] major roles, in addition to some would debate that it is definitively her major role, is to advise the master copy on all matters” (Stoeltje 1997, p. 52).
There are instances inwards which “outsiders,” including American researchers, activists, in addition to Winnie Mandela, have got been enstooled equally queen mothers (South Wales Evening Post 5 June 1998; New York Times 5 Oct. 1997; Ethnic NewsWatch xvi July 1997; Ethnic NewsWatch 21 May 1997; Ethnic NewsWatch 27 Apr 1996; Ethnic NewsWatch 21 May 1994; AP 24 Nov. 1994). Non-citizens of a community must kickoff live adopted into the royal identify unit of measurement in addition to elders of the locality deliberate in addition to suggest the possibility of the individual’s enstoolment to the people (Ethnic NewsWatch 21 May 1994).
There are queen mothers of varying ranks. The queen woman parent on the local town or hamlet bird has a lesser status than the “paramount queen mothers,” who have got lesser status than the 1 caput queen woman parent inwards the kingdom (Stoeltje 1997, p. 52). Each town in addition to hamlet is different–for instance, mostly it is non allowed that the queen woman parent in addition to master copy inwards a locality live woman parent in addition to son, but inwards some areas, such equally Juaben, close Kumasi, this is silent allowed. These differences, however, “do non alter the overall system” (Associate Professor of Folklore 5 Sept. 1999).
Various religious beliefs in addition to activities co-exist in addition to are practiced side yesteryear side amidst the Akan (Encyclopedia of Worm Cultures 1995, p. 11-12). Christianity has been a strong influence inwards Republic of Ghana since the 19th Century (Associate Professor of Folklore 6 Oct. 1999). Islam also has a long history amidst the Akan, in addition to Akan royalty used Muslim scribes for courtroom duties (Encyclopedia of Worm Cultures 1995, p. 11-12). Yet at that spot are many inwards Republic of Ghana who silent do indigenous religion. Although many Ghanaians are comfortable practicing Christianity in addition to ancient custom together, at that spot are those whose devotion to 1 precludes whatsoever adherence to the other (Associate Professor of Folklore 5 Sept. 1999, 6 Oct. 1999).
According to the associate professor at the Folklore Institute at Indiana University:
The rites of passage which functioned to recognize a girl’s transition to adulthood have got ceased to live practiced equally a resultant of the influences of modernization (Christianity in addition to education, for example). These rites honored a immature adult woman through feasting in addition to through serving her; she was taken to the queenmother for world recognition of her novel status. Although the rites are no longer performed, many individuals maintain to inform the queenmother of the onset of puberty (10 Oct. 1999).
The queen mothers’ authorization has e'er rested (and continues to rest) inwards the perception yesteryear themselves in addition to others that they possess knowledge in addition to wisdom inwards of import areas such equally tradition, legal in addition to political matters, in addition to genealogy. Queen mothers are silent viewed equally keepers of tradition in addition to “king-makers,” in addition to inwards their continuing role of safeguarding women’ s welfare, they have got taken upwards growing “modem” civic issues such equally kid care, teaching for women, drag addiction, in addition to teenage pregnancy (Ofori eleven Nov. 1991; Associate Professor of Folklore 10 Oct. 1999).
What would laissez passer on off if a adult woman were to reject the Queen Mother position?
American in addition to Ghanaian scholars inwards chieftaincy issues who were consulted on the inquiry of possible damage to individuals who reject the spot of queen woman parent did non know of whatsoever instances of such damage (Assistant Professor of Linguistics xiii Sept. 1999; Associate Professor of Folklore 5 Sept. 1999; Associate Professor 5 Aug. 1999; Associate Professor of Linguistics in addition to African Languages 12 Apr 1999). According to the associate professor at the Folklore Institute:
For a broad number of reasons, some individuals may live reluctant to take the spot of queen woman parent (or chief). Therefore, sometimes negotiations tin can acquire protracted over time. Reasons for this reluctance may include the exercise of personal alternative inwards matters of career or marriage, and/or personal feelings nigh faith equally well. Many Ghanaians do Christianity in addition to Custom simultaneously, but others select 1 or the other, so feelings nigh faith could live amidst the reasons an private chooses non to take the spot of queen mother. It is of import to banker's bill that religion, the kinship system, the political scheme (known equally chieftaincy), gender roles, the legal system, the ritual system, are all integrated; the term “custom” refers to the entire socio/political/cultural indigenous scheme which functioned prior to colonization in addition to continues today though it has been much affected yesteryear modernization (10 Oct. 1999).
An associate professor at Indiana University stated that “there are several people wanting to live chiefs in addition to queenmothers so refusing to live a master copy or queenmother is a welcome tidings [sic] to [those who brand the chief/queenmother selection]. This helps to trim back the often crowded contestants” (Associate Professor of Linguistics xiii Sept. 1999).
According to the professor at the Folklore Institute:
Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 detail identify unit of measurement may seek to persuade a adult woman to sit down on the stool, in addition to they may live disappointed if she doesn’t. However, it is really unlikely that such an private would live ostracized to the dot of consummate isolation from the community or destitution for refusing to acquire queen mother. In most instances inwards which a somebody is reluctant to serve, it is because she has developed some other career in addition to identify unit of measurement life that would live disrupted yesteryear assuming the role of queen mother. They almost e'er have got removed themselves…from the town or hamlet already in addition to have got acquire component of some other community though most Ghanaians maintain strong links to their hometown (6, 10 Oct. 1999).
In the known rare cases where violence has flared upwards inwards queen woman parent in addition to chieftaincy issues it has been when someone wants to live enstooled equally master copy in addition to someone else thinks that somebody should non live master copy (Associate Professor of Folklore 5 Sept. 1999). The associate professor at the Folklore Institute said that “feelings tin can run high when it comes to questions of succession to the spot of chief, inwards particular, in addition to occasionally violence erupts inwards the midst of a chieftaincy dispute, but it is really rare” (5 Sept. 1999, 6, 10 Oct. 1999). “Even when hostilities develop, they do so to a greater extent than or less factions because these issues usually involve lineages, or families, in addition to though 1 private may live the focus of the dispute, people do non isolate the individual. The rare instances inwards which a somebody tin can live isolated do non occur inwards conjunction alongside disputes over chieftaincy” (Associate Professor of Folklore 10 Oct. 1999).
The associate professor at the Folklore Institute also stated:
Today many chiefs are really good educated people alongside academy degrees, some of which have got been earned inwards Republic of Ghana in addition to some inwards United Kingdom of Great Britain in addition to Northern Ireland in addition to inwards the U.S. Often they are lawyers, engineers, accountants in addition to businessmen. Fewer queen mothers are equally good educated, but at that spot is a widespread endeavor to persuade educated women to take the spot of queen woman parent in addition to take teaching in addition to evolution into the hamlet or region. Due to the effects of modernization in addition to teaching for over a century, many precolonial laws, rituals, in addition to practices have got been changed or have got long since disappeared” (10 Oct. 1999).
source:http://rainqueensofafrica.com/2011/03/information-on-the-queen-mother-tradition-among-the-kwahu-people-of-ghana/
Dr Beatrice Addae
Kwahu man Mr. Kwame Ofosu-Bamfo (Sikkens), industrialist in addition to human being of affairs (right)
Obrafour, Republic of Ghana hiplife artist
E K Nyame
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