Akans are one of the major ethnic groups in Ghana, and they speak the twi language. In his response to the significance of the totems, he said the totems were made out of the peoples past history, adding that Mankessim as a town has even made a totem of the three leaders who led the Fantes to their present settlement as a symbol of honour. The Akan Clan System. [1] It is a taboo to marry someone from the same Abusua. The modern Asakyuiri state is Akrokerri. The first known Oyoko woman was Nana Ekuru who migrated from Adansi to settle in Asuom. Every Asante chiefdom is a distinct territorial unit centred on the chief's capital town or village. Their ancestors were warriors. Researcher with the University of Hong Kong [Department of Linguistics]. Chapter. For instance, those who have parrots as their totems are believed to be very eloquent when it comes to speech, hence the local saying that ekoo tse brofo. There are Eight clans among the Akans they are; 1.Oyoko and Adako Clan. According to Answers.com, Using an animal as a symbol to designate a family or individual was a custom native to both Europe and North America. Clan cults: Mama Tmi, Asimatsnu, anyevi, Afmabgetme. Moreover, the chief does not rule the clan by himself. They must not use the following local trees as firewood: Aviatsi, Xe and Xetolia. The present paper focuses on the Akan clan system. Cultural diversity in Ghana cannot be over-emphasised. Anlogbe is a dialect of the Ewe language, itself part of the Gbe language cluster. Asakyiri claim that they were the first to be created by God. Any/all written content and images displayed are provided by the blogger/author, appear herein as submitted by the blogger/author and are unedited by Opera News. Violation of these taboos will result in rashes. When greeted by a member of the Asona, the reply should be "Yaa Ofori nana". The Gonjas have their belief in the Supreme Being, 'Ebore', natural spirits, and traditional powers. The symbol of the Agona is the parrot. The eight clans are Oyoko, Bretuo, Agona, Asona, Asenie, Aduana, Ekuona, and Asakyiri. The Asona Clan is the biggest clan among the Akan clans since a lot of people belong this clan is said to be the mother of all the Akan clans.Oral tradition has it that the Asona Clan were led out of a cave by a Snake and protected by an Elephant to their various destinations in Akyem and Edweso in the Ashanti Region. Ivy Benson. "The Akan Clan System." Reading the intangible heritage in tangible Akan art. VIDEO: Watch how Stephen Appiah announced a Philadelphia Eagles NFL draft pick, State remains committed to battling drug use - Vice President assures public, COCOBOD refutes former President Mahama's claims of collapsed cocoa sector. It is also important to note that the Akan people have preserved their major traditions and beliefs. "Berekuso Black Stool Case Court Orders Return of Stool to Rightful Owners." It is said that more people generally, belong to the Asona than to any other abusua. The Akan tribe have a very strong belief that two elements make them. These people are believed to be good at trade. by Importantly, cooperation within a family or between different families is very important for the Akan people. News ), Opera News is a free to use platform and the views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not represent, reflect or express the views of Opera News. Their symbolic qualities are Calmness and Patience. They are the smallest clan amongst the Akan. They are also forbidden to use unprocessed sponge (kutsamado-gbedi). Their attitude towards the concepts of the family and clan unites them. They occupy about two thirds of the territory of the country. According to Ebusuapanyin Ababio, most of the current generation do not know the importance of the totems and therefore overlook them when they see them. The symbol of the Asenie is the bat and its main towns are Kumasi Amakom and Dompoase. The totem of this group symbolizes bravery and even aggressiveness of these people. professional specifically for you? Its main towns are Kumasi and Dwaben. Their taboos are among the most powerful. Each clan is headed by a family head known as . If any totem animal is found dead its body must be covered with leaves or if possible given a burial. The Akan tribe mostly has seven Abusua (Matrilineal clans) in each state. The entire community known as Dogboawo lived together, each unit in its individual ward under its own head under the king. The totem of the Agona people is the parrot hence their linguistic prowess. 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Cape Coast which is the capital city of the Central region and is one of the historic towns in Ghana's History. Akans inherit and succeed matrilineal so you are what you mother is.For example if your Mother is from Asona and your Father is from Agona you are from Asona since inheritance by Akans is matrilineal. Opera News does not consent to nor does it condone the posting of any content that violates the rights (including the copyrights) of any third party, nor content that may malign, inter alia, any religion, ethnic group, organization, gender, company, or individual. I personally had to make some efforts before I was told the meanings of the totems used in the story. Each chiefdom is composed of several matrilineages that are established on the basis of common matrilineal descent from a known female ancestor. This collectivism is one of the most distinctive features of the Akan people. IvyPanda. The database is updated daily, so anyone can easily find a relevant essay example. Please like, comment and share for more educative articles. According to him, the purpose of the family totem is for identification, adding that the town totems are proverbial symbols which carry a hidden message, doctrine or powers of a king or the traditional area. See more. It is also one of the oldest kingdoms of people in the country. The Akan people believe that the family is the most important unit of the society (Nkansa-Kyeremateng, 1996). The Akans of Ghana: Their history & culture. Also, the totems are educational materials in the traditional fraternity that one has to devote his or her time to learn. Its symbol is the leopard. To American Indians, it was a totem. Totems identify the different clans among the Shona that historically made up the dynasties of their ancient civilization. 27 May 2005. When greeted by any member of this Abusua, your reply should be "Yaa etwie nana.". Totemism was a key element of study in the development of 19th and early 20th century theories of religion, especially for thinkers such as Emile Durkheim, who concentrated their study on primitive societies. Aren't they? Generally, the members of the group believe that they are descendants from a totem ancestor, or that they and the totem are "brothers". Some people of the Aduana Abusua believe that at the time of creation, their ancestors descended from the skies with a golden chain and others also believed that they originally came from Asumanye and they were led by a duiker with a flame in his mouth and gold in his cheeks. Cultural traits of the Yoruba are visible with the Anlo-Ewe spanning ancestral worship, the worship of deities and divination (Afa Kaka) perfected by the former while in Nigeria. Nana Yankyimadu of Akorokyere is their well known ancestor. Bamee babies must not be anointed with shea butter exposed to naked fire. Asakyiri Abusua (Anona) and Oyokuo (Yokofo or Dehyena)are all Akan clans or families in Ghana. Others believe that they originally came from Asumanya and they were led by a dog with a flame in his mouth and gold in his cheeks. All clans have their totems, taboos, and clan cults. They also think that members of the clan are relatives. 4.Asona Clan. They founded Ashanti Kingdom. There are several Abusua that transcend the different ethnic subgroups outside of the ancient seven. Klev, is a small local bird which not to be eaten. Origin. Anyone who sees these totems is psychologically forced to rack the brains or to make certain inquiries in order to get the meanings of what the designs represent. It is also necessary to note that Akan clans are governed by a chief. Heres what we know. The assertion by Claude Levi-Strauss that scientific explanation entails the discovery of an "arrangement" proves wrong those with an opinion that Ghanaians or Africans for that matter were not civilised before the coming of Europeans or colonisation. The other is Adzvia. "The Akan Clan System." [Accessed 20 May 2005], Asante.co.uk. Over the years, Ghanaians have continued to hold on to the traditions handed over to them by their ancestors. No single Ewe Duko (Ewe State) was able to permanently impose its authority on the others and thereby create a unified state although the Anlo and Ge tried to expand to attain boundaries that would ensure prosperity and political power, according to accounts. The people engage in subsistence agriculture and grow crops like cassava, maize, pepper, and vegetables. This clan has its totem to be a Plantain tree that supplies staple food and it signifies excellence and Ambition. Aboradzi One of the clans of the Fantes is the Aboradzi "Abusuakuw" and the branches of the Aboradzi clan includes Takyina. In some part of the western region, the symbol of the Oyoko clan is rat. People of the Agona are predominant in Denkyira and therefore in Asante, Nkawie. The Asakyuiri group is not numerous. Since members of this clan trace their descent from ancestors in different places, their observations differ from place to place. These people believe their ancestors were refugees from Mande. The social and political organization of all Akan groups is more or less uniform. The first known Asona woman was Asonaba Nana Ano Boadie who gave birth to Nana Ofori Panyin,Nana Nyaako Brae and Nana Abrewaa Dokuaa. Read also 5 fashion styles Ghanaians equate with immorality Source: Redbubble Their totem is the bat. It is worth noting that the commander of the Asante army against Denkyira was the Mamponhene and in the past, generally, matters relating to war in Asante was the domain of the Mamponhene. Their totem is the leopard. "Aowin" is a branch of the Adwenadze Clan and this clan has its totem to be a sheet-fish of deep waters and what this signifies is an emblem of thoughtfulness according to the Adwenadzi clan. "Akwaaba!" Fantes have seven major clans and the inhabitants of the towns in the central region belongs to one of these "Abusuakuw" which means clan. The traditions and culture of this group are heavily . They must not eat etskple. Drawing on the identification of social group with spiritual totem in Australian aboriginal tribes, Durkheim theorised that all human religious expression was intrinsically founded in the relationship to a group. Cashew tree may not be used for firewood, and its nuts not to be eaten. [1] The Abusua line is considered to be passed through the mother's blood (mogya). Ghana as a country has a totem which is also called the coat of arms. Tell me what you know about and of these seven clans so we cam all educate ourselves. [] The constitution of the Republic of Ghana recognizes customary law and usage and thus such marriages are not illegal in Ghana (25 May 2005). The original version of this document may be found on the offical website of the IRB at, Last Updated: Friday, 28 April 2023, 15:24 GMT, 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees, 1954 Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness, Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada. 7.Ekuona Clan. GhLinks Media Milton Keynes, UK: AuthorHouse. When a member of this Abusua greets you, your respond should be "Yaa adu nana.". Labi, K.A. In Ghana, the symbols are usually carved on totem poles. [] It is said that more people generally, belong to [the Asona] clan than to any other clan. As to whether the use of totems is still useful in the current generation, Ebusuapanyin Ababio said the use of totems would forever continue to be important so far as culture plays an integral role in Ghanaian society. The matrilineal system of inheritance is very common among the Fantes as they claim to have separated from the Asantes who also practice this system of inheritance. These various clans have their founding Fathers, Various totem animals they use to represent them,their mode of greetings,their peculiarities among others. The symbol of the Ekuona is the buffalo. Arlington Bank robbery suspect IDd By Police, Who is Craig Doyle Wife, Doon Doyle? UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Their ancestors were brave warriors and winners. Towns belonging to the Adako clan include Nsuta,Akokofe,Ntonso,Asaman,Adenko_Gyakye and Kontunase. We will write a custom Term Paper on The Akan Clan System specifically for you for only 11.00 9.35/page. If the content contained herein violates any of your rights, including those of copyright, and/or violates any the above mentioned factors, you are requested to immediately notify us using via the following email address operanews-external(at)opera.com and/or report the article using the available reporting functionality built into our Platform. They were also used as a seal or symbol for covenant. The state of Anlo is one of the largest of the Ewe coastal tribes in Ghana. They primarily speak the Guan languages of the Niger-Congo language family. Animals like antelopes, eagles, lions, crows, parrots, whales, sharks, elephants, python, and many others are some of the animals which are mostly used as totems and these animals are not many in the ecology. Chiefs for these various towns are selected from clans, that is from the Womans family. The matrilineal system of inheritance is very common when it comes to this tribe. It is forbidden to marry someone from the same clan as you. These characteristic features affect social, political and economic spheres of the Akan people. One of these went south and in turn, divided into two. They believe their king Asare Nyansa brought all kinds of craftsmen (weavers, carvers, smiths and embroiderers) and let his people learn the crafts (Nkansa-Kyeremateng, 1996, p. 30). Lvi-Strauss argues that the use of physical analogies is not an indication of a more primitive mental capacity. Matrilateral cross-cousin marriages are also practised by the chiefs, who marry the daughter(s) of their predecessors in order to uphold the alliances between the ruling lineage and the other matrilineages in the community. The Aduana Clan according to oral tradition are said to have been led by a dog with fire in its mouth. The fifteen clans of Anlo include Lafe, Amlade, Adzovia, Bate, Like, Bamee, Klevi, Tovi, Tsiame, Agave, Ame, Dzevi, Vifeme, Xestofe, and Blu. Guang people. Their ancestors were brave warriors and winners. Hence, it is possible to note that the members of the clan are ready to help each other as they see each other as members of a big family. The chief is elected from a group of candidates eligible by right of membership in a matrilineal descent group in which the office has been vested. 1996. They are ready to cooperate and listen to different viewpoints. Again, viewpoints of older members of the clan are seen as the most valuable. These various clans have their founding Fathers, Various totem animals they use to represent them,their mode of greetings,their peculiarities among others. n.d.a. "Abusua and Nton." This Clan corresponds to the Oyoko Abusua of the Akans and among the seven clans of the Fantes they all have their own branches and the Anona branches includes Eguana, Dahyena and Amoana. Please like, comment and share for more educative articles. It is also important to note that the idea of the clan is closely connected with the idea of the family. Moreover, the Akan people believe they can recognize a member of their clan even if the latter is a stranger and lived in another area (Akanba, 2010). With the fall of the Songhai Empire (c. 1600), the Mande Ngbanya clan moved south, crossing the Black Volta and founding a city at Yagbum.The Gonja kingdom was originally divided into sections overseen by male siblings of Sumaila Ndewura Jakpa including their children and grandchildren. The Akan language and its dialects are classified under the Tano language family, including Asante (Twi), Fante, and Akuapem, which also have their own distinctive written forms. It is also important to add that younger generations respect older people and consult them in different cases. September 16, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-akan-clan-system/. Your privacy is extremely important to us. The Ewe thus migrated from Ketu also called Amedzofe, a Yoruba town in modern Benin. Retrieved from https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-akan-clan-system/. Note that, among the Asante people, every child automatically belongs to the clan of his/her mother. This is not a UNHCR publication. This is the senior of the two royal clans. Lae Clan They do not have the same names in each state but each has an equivalentclan(e.g. Today, up to 25 different totems can be identified among the Shona ethnic grouping, and similar totems exist among other South It i The 15 clans are Am, Lae, Amlade, Adzovia, Bate, Like, Bamee, Tovi, Klevi, etsofe, Agave, Tsiame, Dzevi, ifeme and Blu. 2 policemen and civilian accomplice arrested for attempting to sell weapons, Nicole Sawada is Raymond Sawada wife Family, children, Canada universities, colleges, and schools that accept HND certificates, second class and 3rd class for Masters, Jen Corbin is Patrick Corbins Wife Bio, age, children, & other facts, Monica Quiros Alvarez: Bio, age, children, and Other Facts About Yordan Alvarez Wife, Who is Oscar Gonzalez Allarenja?