Info For Yous Akuapem People: Ghana`S Ancient Guans Together With Akans Of The Mountains

The Akuapem people are an amalgamation of indigenous patriarchal, Volta-Camoe-speaking Guans in addition to matriarchal, Kwa-speaking Akan people occupying the mountainous Akuapem Hills inwards the Eastern Region of Ghana. The Akuapem people are the almost peaceful, respectful in addition to humblest of all Ghanaian tribes. They are simply people fifty-fifty when they desire to insult you, they start with an apology. For lawsuit for doing something featherbrained or annoying an Akuapem volition say "mi pa kyew se woye abia" (I am really sorry but you lot are a fool). Ghanaians refer to them every bit "Ofie" (Home).

                                        Akuapem people

The Akuapem people were originally Guan speaking people which includes Larteh Guan block namely Larteh, Mamfe, Abotakyi, Mampong, Obosomase, in addition to Tutu in addition to the Kyerepong (Okere) Guan block namely Abiriw, Dawu, Awukugua, Adukrom, Apirede, in addition to Abonse-Asesieso. The Akan Twi-speaking towns include  Akropong, the capital, in addition to Amanokurom  who are emigrants from Akyem in addition to Mampong people who are also emigrants from Asante Mampong inwards Ashanti Region.

Akuapem elders offering libation to Asaase Yaa (Mother Earth)

The refer Akuapem was given to these multi-ethnic grouping past times the famous warrior King, Nana Ansa Sasraku I of Akwamu. The refer came from Akan Twi phrase "Nkuu apem" which way "thousand groups." He gave them these refer after the people overwhelmed his Akwamu invading army. The refer "Nkuu apem got corrupted to Akuapem every bit nosotros know them today.

                                     Akuapem adowa dnacers

Akuapem are famous for existence the dwelling identify base of operations of Basel Mission that metamorphosed to Presbyterian Church of Ghana, when inwards 1835 the missionaries led by Andreas Riis arrived inwards Akropong with his Mulatto friend Lutterodt of Osu in addition to set the foundation of the Basel Missionary Evangelization upon which "the gospel took root in addition to spread to all parts of the country.”

Rita Marley, married adult woman of Bob Marley (3rd from Left) with friends at Aburi mountains

Legendary reggae icon, Bob marley`s wife, Rita Marley is honorary citizen of Akuapem town,Aburi. She has been living hither for ages. She owns her recording studios in addition to other businesses on the Akuapem Mountains.

                                                        Rita Marley`s atudio at Aburi

Location, Vegetation in addition to Climate
The master copy inhabitants of the Akuapern Hills were predominantly Guan. The towns of Akuapem are inwards the Eastern Region of Republic of Ghana in addition to situated betwixt longitude 0°15 west - 0°00 in addition to latitude 5°45 - 6°00 N. These towns are located on the Akuapem Ridge, which runs northeastwards across the Volta Region in addition to extends farther into Togo. It is bounded South past times Ga (Akra), East past times Adangme in addition to Krobo, North in addition to West past times Akem. The next 17 principal towns shape the Akuapem state, viz., Berekuso, Atweasing, Aburi, Ahwerase, Asantema (Obosomase), Tutu, Mampong, Abotakyi, Amanokurom, Mamfe, Akropong, Abiriw, Odawu, Awukugua, Adukrom, Apirede in addition to Larteh. If the latter town is reckoned every bit two, viz., Ahenease in addition to Kubease, in addition to Abonse is separated from Awukugua, nosotros larn xix towns inwards the whole. The inhabitants belong to three, or strictly speaking, 2 dissimilar tribes.

                                                Gathering of Akuapem chiefs at Odwira festival

The festival begins on Monday, Akwammo, clearing of the path to Amamprobi, the royal cemetery. This is to enable the ancestors to travel invited for the festival. Libation is poured inwards the morning time to seek permission from the ancestors to elevator the ban on drumming which has been imposed vi weeks before called adae butuw, inwards training for the Odwira. Adumfo, safety officers, Banmufu, custodians of the royal mausoleum in addition to Asenfo pour this libation. This facilitates the invitation of the ancestors to bring together them inwards celebrating the festival. The Akyeamehene hands over a cutlass to Banmuhene who in addition to thus strikes the the world on both his left in addition to correct sides 3 times each signifying the firstly of weeding of the path to Amamprobi.

akradwarefo (Soulwasher) for Akufo, Akroponghene (King of Akropong)

At odum anim, a site believed to travel the spot where i Okuapehene died, in addition to also a identify for the execution of people inwards the olden days, the elders prepare the grounds thoroughly for the matspreading ritual amidst the sounding of the nkrawiri, executioner's drum. They spread odwen hahan {Baphia nitida), also known every bit camwood leaves on a raised wooden platform with sticks across it to preclude the offering shape touching the ground. On this they place, sapowpa, plantain fibre sponge used every bit a towel, sawee, chewing sponge, aburow a watoio, roasted corn, mankani a watoto, roasted cocoayam, ankaa, lime, kwadu, banana, abe, palm fruits in addition to brode, plantain, on the odwen haban. After this, they seek permission to larn into the sacred grove. They render to the chiefs palace in addition to are in addition to thus given unopen to palm vino to quench their thirst.

                                        Gathering of Akuapem Chiefs

Tuesday morning time marks outdooring of novel yam. It is after the ceremony on Tuesday that novel yam, banned vi weeks earlier, is officially brought into the town in addition to eaten. Early inwards the morning time the Okuapehene's white stools are washed in addition to lined upwardly inwards the palace for a piece . Later on inwards the morning, in that location is procession with sacrificial offerings to Amamprobi led past times Banmuhene, Adumhene> the main responsible for the safety of the mortal of Okuapehene every bit good every bit caput of abrafo, executioners, Nkowasuafohene, main of stool carriers, Ankobeahene, main of traditional counsellors in addition to Osodohene, main set upwardly inwards the stool identify or palace. The wearing apparel is a dark smock, a battle wearing apparel or dark coloured wearable to signify the importance of the ceremony. Banmuhene presents sheep, nutrient in addition to drinks to the ancestors on behalf of the Omanhene, in addition to a concoction of sheep blood in addition to herbs is used to grade the forehead of participants during the rituals at Amamprobi. On their way dorsum they are met past times a delegation of the Omanhene led past times the Akyeamehene on the outskirts of Akropong to pour libation with water, palm vino in addition to schnapps. 

When they larn inwards in the palace, a stuff is wrapped circular the  Omanhene inwards fellowship for him to secretly have the odosu, state of war religious items, used to render physical forcefulness in addition to state of war strategies to struggle in addition to the spiritual forcefulness in addition to potency to celebrate the festival. The Banmuhene hands this over to him past times marker his forehead with ointment prepared at Amamprobi. The Omanhene is dressed inwards the dark stuff traditionally used during mourning. There is a small-scale gathering inwards the palace after inwards the eventide for the Omanhene to

perform dapaa tu, training in addition to announcements for the celebration of adae kese or the 9th adae, big adae in addition to adae bue, lifting of the ban on drumming, dancing in addition to vibrations making imposed vi weeks earlier.

Wednesday is the 9th Awukudae, a twenty-four hr catamenia for mourning the dead. The traditional dressing is black stuff or dark brown, crimson or other dark patterned cloths. Families yell in addition to mourn their dead relatives of the past times year. It is also devoted to feeding the ancestors inwards the stool room, a sacred indoor rite. Omanhene sits inwards the palace to perform adae kese. The linguists pour libation in addition to the Omanhene offers drink, which he pours on his left in addition to correct paw side. Appeals for funds and donations are made for evolution projects inwards the year. Later during the twenty-four hr catamenia the Okuapehene dresses inwards state of war regalia - a smock with amulets in addition to talismans in addition to a state of war hat, in addition to is paraded through the town joining inwards the mourning. Some of the oldest forms of art, such every bit carved stools dating from ca. 1850 (Cole 1975: 17) are brought out in addition to ritually cleansed. During this sacred rite, a curfew is imposed in addition to the world is strictly warned to rest indoors. On Midweek night, the blackened stools of past times Okuapehenfo, namely: Safori, Kwapong Kyerefo, Obuobi Atiemo, Kwame Fori I, Asa Krofa in addition to Kwadede I are taken to the Adami river past times the Adumfo in addition to Abrafo to travel cleansed in addition to guns are fired at Nsorem.

During the early on hours of the next morning, Thursday, the Adumfo lite a burn to roast some novel yam. It is also the twenty-four hr catamenia when the Asona clan consume yam, in addition to stool occupants offering food and drinks to the ancestors at Nsorem, the master copy site of Akropong. The color of clothing changes from black, crimson or dark brownish used inwards mourning in addition to worn during the firstly 3 days of the festival to colours such every bit greens, blues, yellows in addition to white to grade the festive mood. This is a twenty-four hr catamenia of celebration in addition to the predominant color of wearable worn is white, pregnant joy and peace. The dark stools are placed upright in addition to fed with pieces of meat in addition to mashed yam. The Omanhene also performs rites for the Odwira suman at Banmuhene's house, after which the

public may consult Banmuhene for a ritual bathroom with a concoction of sacred H2O in addition to herbs. At the destination of the day, the Omanhene receives the diverse groups from Nsorem, with the Banmuhene presenting the Omanhene's empty nutrient container past times placing the container 3 times on the laps of the Omanhene in addition to and thus taken away to the stool room. After this, the canier of the nutrient is also placed 3 times on the lap of the Omanhene. The in conclusion activity for the twenty-four hr catamenia is Sesadompe during which leaves in addition to other sacrificial items on the odosu are removed in addition to deposited at Nsorem nether the covert of darkness. This rite is finalised with 3 resounding gunshots (see also Gilbert 1994: 99-108). There is strict curfew in addition to lights are supposed to travel turned off. In recent past times and during the 2002 Odwira festival the Electricity Company turned off the lights but I am unable to ascertain whether it was because of traditional need or pure coincidence.

Friday is a province durbar to which all the chiefs inwards the remaining 16 towns are invited to pay homage to Okuapehene. Prior to this the Asonahene, caput of the Asona clan inwards the morning sends his food, mashed yarn in addition to H2O to Nsorem before the durbar commences. All the communities, their chiefs every bit good every bit authorities officials in addition to well-wishers bring together inwards the celebration.

Larteh people of Akuapem

 In add-on to the ritual, military, social in addition to political aspects, it is also a display of elaborate fine art forms. By the 5th day, the dark coloured clothing, military machine attire in addition to seriousness attached to the festival has changed to that of brilliant colours in addition to the utilisation of gilt in addition to silverish in addition to wearing of elaborate ornaments.

                                                       Larteh people

There are a diverseness of fine art forms displayed during the Odwira durbar because repetitions are avoided in addition to variations encouraged. For example, no main should have on the same attire, or dress more elaborately than, the Omanhene. If a subordinate main wears the same stuff or dresses with similar regalia to that of a superior chief, the subordinate is advised or encouraged to alter the dressing. In the system of things no 2 chiefs wearing apparel or embellish themselves identically nor should their entourages have got the same expose of people (Cole 1975: 22). Each main sets himself distinctly apart to exhibit that he is the simply i possessing that specific regalia. Cole's article summarises the Odwira festival every bit bringing together the diverse fine art works in addition to compares their display to a pointillist epitome where each nestling unii contributes to the touching on of the whole

(1975: 60).

 According to Cole, the "artistic touching on of the festival stems non from isolated artistic forms of actions but from formally orchestrated interaction of all the aesthetic resources of the community" (1975:61). Each of these fine art works used during the festival has a specific historical and cultural pregnant which creates practiced reasons for the community to come upwardly together in addition to share in the display, values, hope, peace in addition to prosperity of Akuapem.

Gilbert perceives Akuapem fine art every bit "deliberately in addition to metaphorically exposed inwards royal rituals in the politics of chieftaincy affairs in addition to inwards regalia" (1993: 123). The Odwira festival provides an appropriate occasion for the display of fine art inwards a ritual in addition to royal setting intended to projection the image in addition to condition of the Okuapehene. She argues that Akropong regalia shape an external envelope for the mortal of the torso politic of the Okuapehene. Those who render this external envelope are the diverse attendants, divisional chiefs, nestling chiefs, in addition to the host of fine art in addition to regalia they use.

They are all centred on paying homage to the Okuapehene. These historical in addition to cultural works epitomise the artistic life of the Akuapem people every bit a whole. Art in addition to regalia of the Okuapehene and other Akuapem chiefs are summed upwardly every bit "public representations of the clandestine might that lies within in addition to behind kingship in addition to the might that holds it together" (Gilbert 1993: 131). Indeed these are to a greater extent than than world presentations of what holds kingship together. They are also representations of the history of fine art inwards Akuapem.

The Akropong Odwira festival is a cracking drama, which embraces all the Akan arts in Akuapem. It is an occasion when the spiritual might of the main is re-charged. It is a celebration of the highest in addition to full appear of civilization every bit horn blowers, drummers, linguists in addition to various state officials display ait in addition to regalia. All the fly chiefs inwards Akuapem have got over the years acquired Akan regalia such every bit palanquins, umbrellas, swords, multi-coloured in addition to patterned cloths, gilt plated sandals, linguists staffs with proverbial icons in addition to jewellery made or covered with gilt leaf, in addition to come upwardly with these to pay homage to the Okuapehene. This is maybe the most significant occasion for the display of art. Dress in addition to other torso arts reveal distinctions, changes in condition in addition to temporary display of roles every bit good every bit personal preferences in addition to affiliations.

During the Akatamanso war, other Akuapem towns also captured state of war gods in addition to regalia from the Asante. Therefore, Late also celebrates the Odwira festival because of the gods in addition to trophies they captured. It also involves the clearing of path to their ancestral dwelling identify to convey the Odwira. It is a festival of purification from state of war through rituals performed with the odwira odosu, cleansing from defilement, evil, in addition to a fourth dimension when the Late feed in addition to venerate their ancestors. The Late celebration is also associated with rites to brand the eating of novel yam salubrious thus that people do not endure tummy ache in addition to other ailments from eating novel yam. In add-on to the religious celebration, it is also an artistic display, exhibiting the totality of Akuapem art.

The procedure of Akanisation separated the Guan priests from participating inwards the Akropong Odwira festival. No gods are worshipped during this festival, rather, it is ancestor veneration. Because of this distinction, priests in addition to priestesses produce non participate inwards it. Their non-participation in chieftaincy is also because of their abhorrence of dark stools, gilt in addition to works which bear symbols on them, which are emphasised inwards Akan regalia.

The introduction of the novel Akan regalia was simply for political reasons, every bit the Guan were left

to practise their beliefs during which the adede, asofo in addition to akomfo hold to worship their gods

and celebrate their festivals. Despite the separation of religious roles from political in addition to judicial

functions, in that location even thus exists unopen to collaboration betwixt the chiefs in addition to the odede, asofo, nnadefo

and akomfo inwards sure as shooting aspects of Guan communal life. For example, inwards unopen to Guan towns such as

Adukrom, Amanokrom, Obosomase in addition to Late-Ahenease, gods are attached to the dark stools

and the periods for propitiating in addition to feeding these gods are component of the festivals involving chiefs.

In Late-Ahenease the god Konkon, which is regarded every bit male, because it appears every bit a human being with

half torso in addition to resides inwards a cemented shrine is worshipped on Tuesdays, Fridays in addition to during the

Ohum in addition to Odwira festivals, inwards fact, the Konkon osofo is the nnedefo kyeame, in addition to during these

festivals, should in that location travel whatsoever rituals in addition to rites to travel performed it in addition to thus becomes his responsibility

to produce so. In Late, the next Midweek after the Odwira, the priests in addition to priestesses of the

shrines assemble to cook, offering nutrient to the gods in addition to dance. In the night, every identify that has a god

lights a burn in addition to the caput priest goes circular to roast a slice of yam inwards it in addition to throw it to the ground

for the gods.

It is evident that Guan priesthood is even thus active inwards the Guan communities, going past times the

number of shrines inwards Akuapem. During my fieldwork inwards 1988, I documented every bit many every bit ninetyone shrines inwards Akuapem, though the expose may travel higher. These communities maintain their

altars in addition to even thus adhere to the traditional regalia in addition to fine art forms in addition to celebrate their independent

festivals (fig 14). They also develop priestesses from other towns. The popularity of shrines may be

illustrated with the Akonnedi shrine. During the Asuo Gyebi festival at the Akonnedi shrine, past

trainees of the shrine come upwardly from other towns inwards Republic of Ghana in addition to the the States to worship this deity

and celebrate the festival.

In Akuapem today, all seventeen towns celebrate annual festivals with Akan regalia during

which many of the chiefs are carried inwards palanquins in addition to paraded through the principal streets on

the in conclusion twenty-four hr catamenia of the festival, culminating inwards a grand durbar. During the Mamfe Ohum for example,

the asofo in addition to other traditional leaders perform traditional rites including the drinking atasafosa

and the women enact aworebe, a ceremony of sweeping in addition to cleansing the town, prior to the

durbar, which climaxes the celebration on Sabbatum afternoon with Akan type regalia.

The Akuapem Odwira, Abiriw Akpe Odwe, Mamfe Ohum, Mampong Odwira in addition to Late Ohum

and Odwira are all festivals celebrated inwards Akuapem inwards which chiefs display regalia of Akan

origin. The novel fine art works introduced inwards Akuapem articulate novel Akan values. These were the

use of gilt in addition to the display of power, pomp in addition to pageantry. Today all Akuapem chiefs display

Akan art. Political in addition to social importance are placed on regalia in addition to reverberate the values of the

people of Akuapem every bit a whole.

Whereas these Akan influences tend to overshadow Guan priestly fine art a typical Guan religious

festival, such every bit Asuo Gyebi of Akonnedi shrine in addition to the celebration a calendar week after Late Odwira of

the priests in addition to priestesses including Konkort in addition to Tshawe is to a greater extent than a display of diverse rituaJs,

spirit possession in addition to dance. The priestesses have on white cloths, beads on their necks, wrists, knees

and ankles in addition to smear their bodies with white clay. During the Asuo Gyebi festival, which 1

observed inwards Jan 1989, the belatedly Nana Oparebea, the in addition to thus priestess of Akonnedi shrine had a

special stool on which she sat. The emphasis is on the religious appropriateness, symbolism and

suitability for the gods rather than the aesthetics of colour, every bit good every bit the projection of the

personhood in addition to might of the priest or priestess of the shrine. Some Guan religious festivals are

celebrated with the province festivals such every bit Ohum, in addition to Akan festivals such every bit Awukudae and

Akwasidae. The procedure of introducing a novel political fellowship did non alone wipe out the Guan

priestly fine art in addition to way of relating to in addition to celebrating the gods.

Source:http://archive.lib.msu.edu/DMC/Africa
h                        ttp://www.akuapem.com/gpage4.html
 photosource:
                                                Gathering of Akuapem chiefs at Odwira festival

The festival begins on Monday, Akwammo, clearing of the path to Amamprobi, the royal cemetery. This is to enable the ancestors to travel invited for the festival. Libation is poured inwards the morning time to seek permission from the ancestors to elevator the ban on drumming which has been imposed vi weeks before called adae butuw, inwards training for the Odwira. Adumfo, safety officers, Banmufu, custodians of the royal mausoleum in addition to Asenfo pour this libation. This facilitates the invitation of the ancestors to bring together them inwards celebrating the festival. The Akyeamehene hands over a cutlass to Banmuhene who in addition to thus strikes the the world on both his left in addition to correct sides 3 times each signifying the firstly of weeding of the path to Amamprobi.

akradwarefo (Soulwasher) for Akufo, Akroponghene (King of Akropong)

At odum anim, a site believed to travel the spot where i Okuapehene died, in addition to also a identify for the execution of people inwards the olden days, the elders prepare the grounds thoroughly for the matspreading ritual amidst the sounding of the nkrawiri, executioner's drum. They spread odwen hahan {Baphia nitida), also known every bit camwood leaves on a raised wooden platform with sticks across it to preclude the offering shape touching the ground. On this they place, sapowpa, plantain fibre sponge used every bit a towel, sawee, chewing sponge, aburow a watoio, roasted corn, mankani a watoto, roasted cocoayam, ankaa, lime, kwadu, banana, abe, palm fruits in addition to brode, plantain, on the odwen haban. After this, they seek permission to larn into the sacred grove. They render to the chiefs palace in addition to are in addition to thus given unopen to palm vino to quench their thirst.

                                        Gathering of Akuapem Chiefs

Tuesday morning time marks outdooring of novel yam. It is after the ceremony on Tuesday that novel yam, banned vi weeks earlier, is officially brought into the town in addition to eaten. Early inwards the morning time the Okuapehene's white stools are washed in addition to lined upwardly inwards the palace for a piece . Later on inwards the morning, in that location is procession with sacrificial offerings to Amamprobi led past times Banmuhene, Adumhene> the main responsible for the safety of the mortal of Okuapehene every bit good every bit caput of abrafo, executioners, Nkowasuafohene, main of stool carriers, Ankobeahene, main of traditional counsellors in addition to Osodohene, main set upwardly inwards the stool identify or palace. The wearing apparel is a dark smock, a battle wearing apparel or dark coloured wearable to signify the importance of the ceremony. Banmuhene presents sheep, nutrient in addition to drinks to the ancestors on behalf of the Omanhene, in addition to a concoction of sheep blood in addition to herbs is used to grade the forehead of participants during the rituals at Amamprobi. On their way dorsum they are met past times a delegation of the Omanhene led past times the Akyeamehene on the outskirts of Akropong to pour libation with water, palm vino in addition to schnapps. 

When they larn inwards in the palace, a stuff is wrapped circular the  Omanhene inwards fellowship for him to secretly have the odosu, state of war religious items, used to render physical forcefulness in addition to state of war strategies to struggle in addition to the spiritual forcefulness in addition to potency to celebrate the festival. The Banmuhene hands this over to him past times marker his forehead with ointment prepared at Amamprobi. The Omanhene is dressed inwards the dark stuff traditionally used during mourning. There is a small-scale gathering inwards the palace after inwards the eventide for the Omanhene to

perform dapaa tu, training in addition to announcements for the celebration of adae kese or the 9th adae, big adae in addition to adae bue, lifting of the ban on drumming, dancing in addition to vibrations making imposed vi weeks earlier.

Wednesday is the 9th Awukudae, a twenty-four hr catamenia for mourning the dead. The traditional dressing is black stuff or dark brown, crimson or other dark patterned cloths. Families yell in addition to mourn their dead relatives of the past times year. It is also devoted to feeding the ancestors inwards the stool room, a sacred indoor rite. Omanhene sits inwards the palace to perform adae kese. The linguists pour libation in addition to the Omanhene offers drink, which he pours on his left in addition to correct paw side. Appeals for funds and donations are made for evolution projects inwards the year. Later during the twenty-four hr catamenia the Okuapehene dresses inwards state of war regalia - a smock with amulets in addition to talismans in addition to a state of war hat, in addition to is paraded through the town joining inwards the mourning. Some of the oldest forms of art, such every bit carved stools dating from ca. 1850 (Cole 1975: 17) are brought out in addition to ritually cleansed. During this sacred rite, a curfew is imposed in addition to the world is strictly warned to rest indoors. On Midweek night, the blackened stools of past times Okuapehenfo, namely: Safori, Kwapong Kyerefo, Obuobi Atiemo, Kwame Fori I, Asa Krofa in addition to Kwadede I are taken to the Adami river past times the Adumfo in addition to Abrafo to travel cleansed in addition to guns are fired at Nsorem.

During the early on hours of the next morning, Thursday, the Adumfo lite a burn to roast some novel yam. It is also the twenty-four hr catamenia when the Asona clan consume yam, in addition to stool occupants offering food and drinks to the ancestors at Nsorem, the master copy site of Akropong. The color of clothing changes from black, crimson or dark brownish used inwards mourning in addition to worn during the firstly 3 days of the festival to colours such every bit greens, blues, yellows in addition to white to grade the festive mood. This is a twenty-four hr catamenia of celebration in addition to the predominant color of wearable worn is white, pregnant joy and peace. The dark stools are placed upright in addition to fed with pieces of meat in addition to mashed yam. The Omanhene also performs rites for the Odwira suman at Banmuhene's house, after which the

public may consult Banmuhene for a ritual bathroom with a concoction of sacred H2O in addition to herbs. At the destination of the day, the Omanhene receives the diverse groups from Nsorem, with the Banmuhene presenting the Omanhene's empty nutrient container past times placing the container 3 times on the laps of the Omanhene in addition to and thus taken away to the stool room. After this, the canier of the nutrient is also placed 3 times on the lap of the Omanhene. The in conclusion activity for the twenty-four hr catamenia is Sesadompe during which leaves in addition to other sacrificial items on the odosu are removed in addition to deposited at Nsorem nether the covert of darkness. This rite is finalised with 3 resounding gunshots (see also Gilbert 1994: 99-108). There is strict curfew in addition to lights are supposed to travel turned off. In recent past times and during the 2002 Odwira festival the Electricity Company turned off the lights but I am unable to ascertain whether it was because of traditional need or pure coincidence.

Friday is a province durbar to which all the chiefs inwards the remaining 16 towns are invited to pay homage to Okuapehene. Prior to this the Asonahene, caput of the Asona clan inwards the morning sends his food, mashed yarn in addition to H2O to Nsorem before the durbar commences. All the communities, their chiefs every bit good every bit authorities officials in addition to well-wishers bring together inwards the celebration.

Larteh people of Akuapem

 In add-on to the ritual, military, social in addition to political aspects, it is also a display of elaborate fine art forms. By the 5th day, the dark coloured clothing, military machine attire in addition to seriousness attached to the festival has changed to that of brilliant colours in addition to the utilisation of gilt in addition to silverish in addition to wearing of elaborate ornaments.

                                                       Larteh people

There are a diverseness of fine art forms displayed during the Odwira durbar because repetitions are avoided in addition to variations encouraged. For example, no main should have on the same attire, or dress more elaborately than, the Omanhene. If a subordinate main wears the same stuff or dresses with similar regalia to that of a superior chief, the subordinate is advised or encouraged to alter the dressing. In the system of things no 2 chiefs wearing apparel or embellish themselves identically nor should their entourages have got the same expose of people (Cole 1975: 22). Each main sets himself distinctly apart to exhibit that he is the simply i possessing that specific regalia. Cole's article summarises the Odwira festival every bit bringing together the diverse fine art works in addition to compares their display to a pointillist epitome where each nestling unii contributes to the touching on of the whole

(1975: 60).

 According to Cole, the "artistic touching on of the festival stems non from isolated artistic forms of actions but from formally orchestrated interaction of all the aesthetic resources of the community" (1975:61). Each of these fine art works used during the festival has a specific historical and cultural pregnant which creates practiced reasons for the community to come upwardly together in addition to share in the display, values, hope, peace in addition to prosperity of Akuapem.

Gilbert perceives Akuapem fine art every bit "deliberately in addition to metaphorically exposed inwards royal rituals in the politics of chieftaincy affairs in addition to inwards regalia" (1993: 123). The Odwira festival provides an appropriate occasion for the display of fine art inwards a ritual in addition to royal setting intended to projection the image in addition to condition of the Okuapehene. She argues that Akropong regalia shape an external envelope for the mortal of the torso politic of the Okuapehene. Those who render this external envelope are the diverse attendants, divisional chiefs, nestling chiefs, in addition to the host of fine art in addition to regalia they use.

They are all centred on paying homage to the Okuapehene. These historical in addition to cultural works epitomise the artistic life of the Akuapem people every bit a whole. Art in addition to regalia of the Okuapehene and other Akuapem chiefs are summed upwardly every bit "public representations of the clandestine might that lies within in addition to behind kingship in addition to the might that holds it together" (Gilbert 1993: 131). Indeed these are to a greater extent than than world presentations of what holds kingship together. They are also representations of the history of fine art inwards Akuapem.

The Akropong Odwira festival is a cracking drama, which embraces all the Akan arts in Akuapem. It is an occasion when the spiritual might of the main is re-charged. It is a celebration of the highest in addition to full appear of civilization every bit horn blowers, drummers, linguists in addition to various state officials display ait in addition to regalia. All the fly chiefs inwards Akuapem have got over the years acquired Akan regalia such every bit palanquins, umbrellas, swords, multi-coloured in addition to patterned cloths, gilt plated sandals, linguists staffs with proverbial icons in addition to jewellery made or covered with gilt leaf, in addition to come upwardly with these to pay homage to the Okuapehene. This is maybe the most significant occasion for the display of art. Dress in addition to other torso arts reveal distinctions, changes in condition in addition to temporary display of roles every bit good every bit personal preferences in addition to affiliations.

During the Akatamanso war, other Akuapem towns also captured state of war gods in addition to regalia from the Asante. Therefore, Late also celebrates the Odwira festival because of the gods in addition to trophies they captured. It also involves the clearing of path to their ancestral dwelling identify to convey the Odwira. It is a festival of purification from state of war through rituals performed with the odwira odosu, cleansing from defilement, evil, in addition to a fourth dimension when the Late feed in addition to venerate their ancestors. The Late celebration is also associated with rites to brand the eating of novel yam salubrious thus that people do not endure tummy ache in addition to other ailments from eating novel yam. In add-on to the religious celebration, it is also an artistic display, exhibiting the totality of Akuapem art.

The procedure of Akanisation separated the Guan priests from participating inwards the Akropong Odwira festival. No gods are worshipped during this festival, rather, it is ancestor veneration. Because of this distinction, priests in addition to priestesses produce non participate inwards it. Their non-participation in chieftaincy is also because of their abhorrence of dark stools, gilt in addition to works which bear symbols on them, which are emphasised inwards Akan regalia.

The introduction of the novel Akan regalia was simply for political reasons, every bit the Guan were left

to practise their beliefs during which the adede, asofo in addition to akomfo hold to worship their gods

and celebrate their festivals. Despite the separation of religious roles from political in addition to judicial

functions, in that location even thus exists unopen to collaboration betwixt the chiefs in addition to the odede, asofo, nnadefo

and akomfo inwards sure as shooting aspects of Guan communal life. For example, inwards unopen to Guan towns such as

Adukrom, Amanokrom, Obosomase in addition to Late-Ahenease, gods are attached to the dark stools

and the periods for propitiating in addition to feeding these gods are component of the festivals involving chiefs.

In Late-Ahenease the god Konkon, which is regarded every bit male, because it appears every bit a human being with

half torso in addition to resides inwards a cemented shrine is worshipped on Tuesdays, Fridays in addition to during the

Ohum in addition to Odwira festivals, inwards fact, the Konkon osofo is the nnedefo kyeame, in addition to during these

festivals, should in that location travel whatsoever rituals in addition to rites to travel performed it in addition to thus becomes his responsibility

to produce so. In Late, the next Midweek after the Odwira, the priests in addition to priestesses of the

shrines assemble to cook, offering nutrient to the gods in addition to dance. In the night, every identify that has a god

lights a burn in addition to the caput priest goes circular to roast a slice of yam inwards it in addition to throw it to the ground

for the gods.

It is evident that Guan priesthood is even thus active inwards the Guan communities, going past times the

number of shrines inwards Akuapem. During my fieldwork inwards 1988, I documented every bit many every bit ninetyone shrines inwards Akuapem, though the expose may travel higher. These communities maintain their

altars in addition to even thus adhere to the traditional regalia in addition to fine art forms in addition to celebrate their independent

festivals (fig 14). They also develop priestesses from other towns. The popularity of shrines may be

illustrated with the Akonnedi shrine. During the Asuo Gyebi festival at the Akonnedi shrine, past

trainees of the shrine come upwardly from other towns inwards Republic of Ghana in addition to the the States to worship this deity

and celebrate the festival.

In Akuapem today, all seventeen towns celebrate annual festivals with Akan regalia during

which many of the chiefs are carried inwards palanquins in addition to paraded through the principal streets on

the in conclusion twenty-four hr catamenia of the festival, culminating inwards a grand durbar. During the Mamfe Ohum for example,

the asofo in addition to other traditional leaders perform traditional rites including the drinking atasafosa

and the women enact aworebe, a ceremony of sweeping in addition to cleansing the town, prior to the

durbar, which climaxes the celebration on Sabbatum afternoon with Akan type regalia.

The Akuapem Odwira, Abiriw Akpe Odwe, Mamfe Ohum, Mampong Odwira in addition to Late Ohum

and Odwira are all festivals celebrated inwards Akuapem inwards which chiefs display regalia of Akan

origin. The novel fine art works introduced inwards Akuapem articulate novel Akan values. These were the

use of gilt in addition to the display of power, pomp in addition to pageantry. Today all Akuapem chiefs display

Akan art. Political in addition to social importance are placed on regalia in addition to reverberate the values of the

people of Akuapem every bit a whole.

Whereas these Akan influences tend to overshadow Guan priestly fine art a typical Guan religious

festival, such every bit Asuo Gyebi of Akonnedi shrine in addition to the celebration a calendar week after Late Odwira of

the priests in addition to priestesses including Konkort in addition to Tshawe is to a greater extent than a display of diverse rituaJs,

spirit possession in addition to dance. The priestesses have on white cloths, beads on their necks, wrists, knees

and ankles in addition to smear their bodies with white clay. During the Asuo Gyebi festival, which 1

observed inwards Jan 1989, the belatedly Nana Oparebea, the in addition to thus priestess of Akonnedi shrine had a

special stool on which she sat. The emphasis is on the religious appropriateness, symbolism and

suitability for the gods rather than the aesthetics of colour, every bit good every bit the projection of the

personhood in addition to might of the priest or priestess of the shrine. Some Guan religious festivals are

celebrated with the province festivals such every bit Ohum, in addition to Akan festivals such every bit Awukudae and

Akwasidae. The procedure of introducing a novel political fellowship did non alone wipe out the Guan

priestly fine art in addition to way of relating to in addition to celebrating the gods.

Source:http://archive.lib.msu.edu/DMC/Africa
https://haftshappenings.blogspot.com/search?q=sam_4256.jpg" width="640" />
                                                Gathering of Akuapem chiefs at Odwira festival

The festival begins on Monday, Akwammo, clearing of the path to Amamprobi, the royal cemetery. This is to enable the ancestors to travel invited for the festival. Libation is poured inwards the morning time to seek permission from the ancestors to elevator the ban on drumming which has been imposed vi weeks before called adae butuw, inwards training for the Odwira. Adumfo, safety officers, Banmufu, custodians of the royal mausoleum in addition to Asenfo pour this libation. This facilitates the invitation of the ancestors to bring together them inwards celebrating the festival. The Akyeamehene hands over a cutlass to Banmuhene who in addition to thus strikes the the world on both his left in addition to correct sides 3 times each signifying the firstly of weeding of the path to Amamprobi.

akradwarefo (Soulwasher) for Akufo, Akroponghene (King of Akropong)

At odum anim, a site believed to travel the spot where i Okuapehene died, in addition to also a identify for the execution of people inwards the olden days, the elders prepare the grounds thoroughly for the matspreading ritual amidst the sounding of the nkrawiri, executioner's drum. They spread odwen hahan {Baphia nitida), also known every bit camwood leaves on a raised wooden platform with sticks across it to preclude the offering shape touching the ground. On this they place, sapowpa, plantain fibre sponge used every bit a towel, sawee, chewing sponge, aburow a watoio, roasted corn, mankani a watoto, roasted cocoayam, ankaa, lime, kwadu, banana, abe, palm fruits in addition to brode, plantain, on the odwen haban. After this, they seek permission to larn into the sacred grove. They render to the chiefs palace in addition to are in addition to thus given unopen to palm vino to quench their thirst.

                                        Gathering of Akuapem Chiefs

Tuesday morning time marks outdooring of novel yam. It is after the ceremony on Tuesday that novel yam, banned vi weeks earlier, is officially brought into the town in addition to eaten. Early inwards the morning time the Okuapehene's white stools are washed in addition to lined upwardly inwards the palace for a piece . Later on inwards the morning, in that location is procession with sacrificial offerings to Amamprobi led past times Banmuhene, Adumhene> the main responsible for the safety of the mortal of Okuapehene every bit good every bit caput of abrafo, executioners, Nkowasuafohene, main of stool carriers, Ankobeahene, main of traditional counsellors in addition to Osodohene, main set upwardly inwards the stool identify or palace. The wearing apparel is a dark smock, a battle wearing apparel or dark coloured wearable to signify the importance of the ceremony. Banmuhene presents sheep, nutrient in addition to drinks to the ancestors on behalf of the Omanhene, in addition to a concoction of sheep blood in addition to herbs is used to grade the forehead of participants during the rituals at Amamprobi. On their way dorsum they are met past times a delegation of the Omanhene led past times the Akyeamehene on the outskirts of Akropong to pour libation with water, palm vino in addition to schnapps. 

When they larn inwards in the palace, a stuff is wrapped circular the  Omanhene inwards fellowship for him to secretly have the odosu, state of war religious items, used to render physical forcefulness in addition to state of war strategies to struggle in addition to the spiritual forcefulness in addition to potency to celebrate the festival. The Banmuhene hands this over to him past times marker his forehead with ointment prepared at Amamprobi. The Omanhene is dressed inwards the dark stuff traditionally used during mourning. There is a small-scale gathering inwards the palace after inwards the eventide for the Omanhene to

perform dapaa tu, training in addition to announcements for the celebration of adae kese or the 9th adae, big adae in addition to adae bue, lifting of the ban on drumming, dancing in addition to vibrations making imposed vi weeks earlier.

Wednesday is the 9th Awukudae, a twenty-four hr catamenia for mourning the dead. The traditional dressing is black stuff or dark brown, crimson or other dark patterned cloths. Families yell in addition to mourn their dead relatives of the past times year. It is also devoted to feeding the ancestors inwards the stool room, a sacred indoor rite. Omanhene sits inwards the palace to perform adae kese. The linguists pour libation in addition to the Omanhene offers drink, which he pours on his left in addition to correct paw side. Appeals for funds and donations are made for evolution projects inwards the year. Later during the twenty-four hr catamenia the Okuapehene dresses inwards state of war regalia - a smock with amulets in addition to talismans in addition to a state of war hat, in addition to is paraded through the town joining inwards the mourning. Some of the oldest forms of art, such every bit carved stools dating from ca. 1850 (Cole 1975: 17) are brought out in addition to ritually cleansed. During this sacred rite, a curfew is imposed in addition to the world is strictly warned to rest indoors. On Midweek night, the blackened stools of past times Okuapehenfo, namely: Safori, Kwapong Kyerefo, Obuobi Atiemo, Kwame Fori I, Asa Krofa in addition to Kwadede I are taken to the Adami river past times the Adumfo in addition to Abrafo to travel cleansed in addition to guns are fired at Nsorem.

During the early on hours of the next morning, Thursday, the Adumfo lite a burn to roast some novel yam. It is also the twenty-four hr catamenia when the Asona clan consume yam, in addition to stool occupants offering food and drinks to the ancestors at Nsorem, the master copy site of Akropong. The color of clothing changes from black, crimson or dark brownish used inwards mourning in addition to worn during the firstly 3 days of the festival to colours such every bit greens, blues, yellows in addition to white to grade the festive mood. This is a twenty-four hr catamenia of celebration in addition to the predominant color of wearable worn is white, pregnant joy and peace. The dark stools are placed upright in addition to fed with pieces of meat in addition to mashed yam. The Omanhene also performs rites for the Odwira suman at Banmuhene's house, after which the

public may consult Banmuhene for a ritual bathroom with a concoction of sacred H2O in addition to herbs. At the destination of the day, the Omanhene receives the diverse groups from Nsorem, with the Banmuhene presenting the Omanhene's empty nutrient container past times placing the container 3 times on the laps of the Omanhene in addition to and thus taken away to the stool room. After this, the canier of the nutrient is also placed 3 times on the lap of the Omanhene. The in conclusion activity for the twenty-four hr catamenia is Sesadompe during which leaves in addition to other sacrificial items on the odosu are removed in addition to deposited at Nsorem nether the covert of darkness. This rite is finalised with 3 resounding gunshots (see also Gilbert 1994: 99-108). There is strict curfew in addition to lights are supposed to travel turned off. In recent past times and during the 2002 Odwira festival the Electricity Company turned off the lights but I am unable to ascertain whether it was because of traditional need or pure coincidence.

Friday is a province durbar to which all the chiefs inwards the remaining 16 towns are invited to pay homage to Okuapehene. Prior to this the Asonahene, caput of the Asona clan inwards the morning sends his food, mashed yarn in addition to H2O to Nsorem before the durbar commences. All the communities, their chiefs every bit good every bit authorities officials in addition to well-wishers bring together inwards the celebration.

Larteh people of Akuapem

 In add-on to the ritual, military, social in addition to political aspects, it is also a display of elaborate fine art forms. By the 5th day, the dark coloured clothing, military machine attire in addition to seriousness attached to the festival has changed to that of brilliant colours in addition to the utilisation of gilt in addition to silverish in addition to wearing of elaborate ornaments.

                                                       Larteh people

There are a diverseness of fine art forms displayed during the Odwira durbar because repetitions are avoided in addition to variations encouraged. For example, no main should have on the same attire, or dress more elaborately than, the Omanhene. If a subordinate main wears the same stuff or dresses with similar regalia to that of a superior chief, the subordinate is advised or encouraged to alter the dressing. In the system of things no 2 chiefs wearing apparel or embellish themselves identically nor should their entourages have got the same expose of people (Cole 1975: 22). Each main sets himself distinctly apart to exhibit that he is the simply i possessing that specific regalia. Cole's article summarises the Odwira festival every bit bringing together the diverse fine art works in addition to compares their display to a pointillist epitome where each nestling unii contributes to the touching on of the whole

(1975: 60).

 According to Cole, the "artistic touching on of the festival stems non from isolated artistic forms of actions but from formally orchestrated interaction of all the aesthetic resources of the community" (1975:61). Each of these fine art works used during the festival has a specific historical and cultural pregnant which creates practiced reasons for the community to come upwardly together in addition to share in the display, values, hope, peace in addition to prosperity of Akuapem.

Gilbert perceives Akuapem fine art every bit "deliberately in addition to metaphorically exposed inwards royal rituals in the politics of chieftaincy affairs in addition to inwards regalia" (1993: 123). The Odwira festival provides an appropriate occasion for the display of fine art inwards a ritual in addition to royal setting intended to projection the image in addition to condition of the Okuapehene. She argues that Akropong regalia shape an external envelope for the mortal of the torso politic of the Okuapehene. Those who render this external envelope are the diverse attendants, divisional chiefs, nestling chiefs, in addition to the host of fine art in addition to regalia they use.

They are all centred on paying homage to the Okuapehene. These historical in addition to cultural works epitomise the artistic life of the Akuapem people every bit a whole. Art in addition to regalia of the Okuapehene and other Akuapem chiefs are summed upwardly every bit "public representations of the clandestine might that lies within in addition to behind kingship in addition to the might that holds it together" (Gilbert 1993: 131). Indeed these are to a greater extent than than world presentations of what holds kingship together. They are also representations of the history of fine art inwards Akuapem.

The Akropong Odwira festival is a cracking drama, which embraces all the Akan arts in Akuapem. It is an occasion when the spiritual might of the main is re-charged. It is a celebration of the highest in addition to full appear of civilization every bit horn blowers, drummers, linguists in addition to various state officials display ait in addition to regalia. All the fly chiefs inwards Akuapem have got over the years acquired Akan regalia such every bit palanquins, umbrellas, swords, multi-coloured in addition to patterned cloths, gilt plated sandals, linguists staffs with proverbial icons in addition to jewellery made or covered with gilt leaf, in addition to come upwardly with these to pay homage to the Okuapehene. This is maybe the most significant occasion for the display of art. Dress in addition to other torso arts reveal distinctions, changes in condition in addition to temporary display of roles every bit good every bit personal preferences in addition to affiliations.

During the Akatamanso war, other Akuapem towns also captured state of war gods in addition to regalia from the Asante. Therefore, Late also celebrates the Odwira festival because of the gods in addition to trophies they captured. It also involves the clearing of path to their ancestral dwelling identify to convey the Odwira. It is a festival of purification from state of war through rituals performed with the odwira odosu, cleansing from defilement, evil, in addition to a fourth dimension when the Late feed in addition to venerate their ancestors. The Late celebration is also associated with rites to brand the eating of novel yam salubrious thus that people do not endure tummy ache in addition to other ailments from eating novel yam. In add-on to the religious celebration, it is also an artistic display, exhibiting the totality of Akuapem art.

The procedure of Akanisation separated the Guan priests from participating inwards the Akropong Odwira festival. No gods are worshipped during this festival, rather, it is ancestor veneration. Because of this distinction, priests in addition to priestesses produce non participate inwards it. Their non-participation in chieftaincy is also because of their abhorrence of dark stools, gilt in addition to works which bear symbols on them, which are emphasised inwards Akan regalia.

The introduction of the novel Akan regalia was simply for political reasons, every bit the Guan were left

to practise their beliefs during which the adede, asofo in addition to akomfo hold to worship their gods

and celebrate their festivals. Despite the separation of religious roles from political in addition to judicial

functions, in that location even thus exists unopen to collaboration betwixt the chiefs in addition to the odede, asofo, nnadefo

and akomfo inwards sure as shooting aspects of Guan communal life. For example, inwards unopen to Guan towns such as

Adukrom, Amanokrom, Obosomase in addition to Late-Ahenease, gods are attached to the dark stools

and the periods for propitiating in addition to feeding these gods are component of the festivals involving chiefs.

In Late-Ahenease the god Konkon, which is regarded every bit male, because it appears every bit a human being with

half torso in addition to resides inwards a cemented shrine is worshipped on Tuesdays, Fridays in addition to during the

Ohum in addition to Odwira festivals, inwards fact, the Konkon osofo is the nnedefo kyeame, in addition to during these

festivals, should in that location travel whatsoever rituals in addition to rites to travel performed it in addition to thus becomes his responsibility

to produce so. In Late, the next Midweek after the Odwira, the priests in addition to priestesses of the

shrines assemble to cook, offering nutrient to the gods in addition to dance. In the night, every identify that has a god

lights a burn in addition to the caput priest goes circular to roast a slice of yam inwards it in addition to throw it to the ground

for the gods.

It is evident that Guan priesthood is even thus active inwards the Guan communities, going past times the

number of shrines inwards Akuapem. During my fieldwork inwards 1988, I documented every bit many every bit ninetyone shrines inwards Akuapem, though the expose may travel higher. These communities maintain their

altars in addition to even thus adhere to the traditional regalia in addition to fine art forms in addition to celebrate their independent

festivals (fig 14). They also develop priestesses from other towns. The popularity of shrines may be

illustrated with the Akonnedi shrine. During the Asuo Gyebi festival at the Akonnedi shrine, past

trainees of the shrine come upwardly from other towns inwards Republic of Ghana in addition to the the States to worship this deity

and celebrate the festival.

In Akuapem today, all seventeen towns celebrate annual festivals with Akan regalia during

which many of the chiefs are carried inwards palanquins in addition to paraded through the principal streets on

the in conclusion twenty-four hr catamenia of the festival, culminating inwards a grand durbar. During the Mamfe Ohum for example,

the asofo in addition to other traditional leaders perform traditional rites including the drinking atasafosa

and the women enact aworebe, a ceremony of sweeping in addition to cleansing the town, prior to the

durbar, which climaxes the celebration on Sabbatum afternoon with Akan type regalia.

The Akuapem Odwira, Abiriw Akpe Odwe, Mamfe Ohum, Mampong Odwira in addition to Late Ohum

and Odwira are all festivals celebrated inwards Akuapem inwards which chiefs display regalia of Akan

origin. The novel fine art works introduced inwards Akuapem articulate novel Akan values. These were the

use of gilt in addition to the display of power, pomp in addition to pageantry. Today all Akuapem chiefs display

Akan art. Political in addition to social importance are placed on regalia in addition to reverberate the values of the

people of Akuapem every bit a whole.

Whereas these Akan influences tend to overshadow Guan priestly fine art a typical Guan religious

festival, such every bit Asuo Gyebi of Akonnedi shrine in addition to the celebration a calendar week after Late Odwira of

the priests in addition to priestesses including Konkort in addition to Tshawe is to a greater extent than a display of diverse rituaJs,

spirit possession in addition to dance. The priestesses have on white cloths, beads on their necks, wrists, knees

and ankles in addition to smear their bodies with white clay. During the Asuo Gyebi festival, which 1

observed inwards Jan 1989, the belatedly Nana Oparebea, the in addition to thus priestess of Akonnedi shrine had a

special stool on which she sat. The emphasis is on the religious appropriateness, symbolism and

suitability for the gods rather than the aesthetics of colour, every bit good every bit the projection of the

personhood in addition to might of the priest or priestess of the shrine. Some Guan religious festivals are

celebrated with the province festivals such every bit Ohum, in addition to Akan festivals such every bit Awukudae and

Akwasidae. The procedure of introducing a novel political fellowship did non alone wipe out the Guan

priestly fine art in addition to way of relating to in addition to celebrating the gods.

Source:http://archive.lib.msu.edu/DMC/Africa