IvyPanda. People of the same Abusua share a common ancestor somewhere within their bloodline, which may go back as far as thousands of years. The ancestors of the Aduana clan are said to have descended from heaven on a golden chain. Its main towns are Kumasi and Dwaben. In social gatherings such as festivals, funerals, and other important celebrations, one would see these totems being displayed. These symbols also demonstrate Ghanaians ingenuity of literature or semiology where symbols are used to communicate. It is said that more people generally belong to [the Asona] clan than to any other clan. When greeted by a member of the Asona, the reply should be "Yaa Ofori nana". Below is an in-depth knowledge on the eight Abusua of the Akans and their totems (animals they are represented by); Totem: The totem of the Agona Abusua is a Parrot Known as "Akoo" among the Akan ethnic group. Also, the totems are educational materials in the traditional fraternity that one has to devote his or her time to learn. Abor, Anyako, Keta, Weta, Afife, Flawu, Dzelukorfe, Avenor, Dzodze, Atorkor, Asadame, Woe, Vodza, Srorgboe, Kedzi, Tsiame, Atiavi and Alakple make up the list. Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Ghana: The Asona clan, including languages, geographical locations and whether men are forced to marry their uncle's daughter, age of marriage, reasons for marriage, consequences of refusal and state protection available (2003-2005) , 27 May 2005, GHA100109.E , available at: https://www.refworld . When a member of this Abusua greets you, your respond should be "Yaa Ofiri nana" and some towns that belong to this Abusua are Apeadu, Asokore, Ayaase and among others. When greeted by any member of this Abusua, your reply should be "Yaa etwie nana.". 2.Bretuo Clan. The Akan constitute almost 50% of the population of Ghana (Labi, 2009). 2005 - 2023 Graphic Online | Graphic Communications Group Ltd. Abusua is the name in Akan culture for a group of people that share common maternal ancestry governed by seven major ancient female abosom (deities). "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. They are popularly referred to as Ogyaasefuo which means descendants of fire. Some of the towns that belong to this Abusua are Ntonso, Bogyae, Pampaso, Obogu but the main towns are Nsuta, Dwaben and Kumasi. Chiefs for these various towns are selected from clans, that is from the Womans family. One of these sub-divisions went to found a settlement on the eastern side of River Mono and called it Tado, according to accounts. 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 Akan tribe mostly has seven Abusua (Matrilineal clans) in each state. 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. Aduana believe that at the time of creation, their ancestors descended from the skies on a golden chain. When greeted by a person from the Asakyiri, the reply should be "Yaa Ofori nana". Anlo proper includes the coastal belt lying between Anyanui at the estuary of the Volta Lake, and Blekusu located about five kilometers east of Keta. The other is Bate. Thus, the woman is the keeper of the family. In some societies, males and females from families or clans using the same totems are not allowed to marry, believing that they are blood relations. When greeted their response is Yaa etwie Nana.The first known ancestor of the Bretuo Clan is Nana Asiama Guahyia. They are respectful and they try to preserve their traditions and beliefs. The fifteen clans of Anlo include Lafe, Amlade, Adzovia, Bate, Like, Bamee, Klevi, Tovi, Tsiame, Agave, Ame, Dzevi, Vifeme, Xestofe, and Blu. The people engage in subsistence agriculture and grow crops like cassava, maize, pepper, and vegetables. They are usually a wild animal but can also be body parts like heart and lung, plants, a force of nature like rain or water, a reptile, fish, a bird or even an essential attribute for survival like power, as in a sword. Clearly, each clan has certain history and distinctive features. The Asenie people believe their ancestors emerged out of the earth (Nkansa-Kyeremateng, 1996, p. 31). When greeted by a person from the Agona or Anona, the reply should be "Yaa ako nana". Their totem animal is the Falcon. 4.Asona Clan. Members of this clan have the prerogative of settling any dispute between kinsfolk which resulted in sickness for one or both parties nugbidodo or reconcilations. Members must not be held by the ear and if held by mistake, the other ear must be held too. IvyPanda. This problem can be associated to ignorance, adulteration of culture, improper . 5 No 2. Opera News furthermore does not condone the use of our platform for the purposes encouraging/endorsing hate speech, violation of human rights and/or utterances of a defamatory nature. 27 May 2005. [1] It is a taboo to marry someone from the same Abusua. The Ewe, meanwhile, hid an elder, Tegli, in a sacred grove to solicit ideas from him. Already in a survey conducted in the 1940's only 8 % of all married women were or had once been married to a cross-cousin. Copyright notice: This document is published with the permission of the copyright holder and producer Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB). 12.1 Akan Clans and their totem animals 4 Source publication THE PLACE OF AFRICAN ANIMAL ETHICS WITHIN THE WELFARIST AND RIGHTIST DEBATE: AN INTERROGATION OF AKAN ONTOLOGICAL AND ETHICAL BELIEFS. Aren't they? Origin. The Denkyirahene is from the Agona clan. The symbol of the Ekuona is the buffalo. (2019, September 16). Although totems are popular spiritual symbols throughout the global society, their use in textile design is not so pervasive particularly in Ghana (Steven and Salm, 2006;Studd, 2002 and Von Stamm . This clan has its totem to be a Plantain tree that supplies staple food and it signifies excellence and Ambition. The modern Asakyuiri state is Akrokerri. Totem: The totem of the Asenie tribe is a bat. Please like, comment and share for more educative articles. Major towns. While some lived at Tado in present-day Togo from where they later dispersed in various directions, some returned east to settle at Allada from where they founded the Aja kingdom of Allada, Whydah, Popo and Jakin, and later the Fon kingdom of Dahomey in the early eighteenth century. The Aduana Clan according to oral tradition are said to have been led by a dog with fire in its mouth. Children from the Womans side are considered to be royals whiles Children from the Mans family are not considered to be royals. Some settled in Dormaa while a section of them headed towards Akwamu. Ghana as a country has a totem which is also called the coat of arms. According to oral tradition the Ekuona Clan is said to be the clan to introduce the Okyeame linguist into the Akan system where their Chief Nana Awurade Basa of Adanse in the 15th century appointed the first Okyeame. The study revealed that totems have been important objects with human societies since time immemorial serving as identification emblems for families and clans. The chief listens to some advice of the oldest and most respectable members of the clan. Every child when born is initiated into a family through a naming ceremony and the name given to him or her shows the family he or she is from. Towns of the Bretuo are Jamase, Apaa, Domeabra, Agogo-Hwidiem, Adankranya, Suhum-Kwahyia, Asiwa (capital of Bosome Freho District) and Abuotem, Ofoase, Brodekwano, Bosomtwe Beposo. 2023/2024 Admission forms and Recruitment in Ghana, UG Call for Applications: WAMCAD Workshop on Disease Modelling, UMaT 14th Congregation Announcement to Graduands. Many young people see this form of marriage as unattractive because they feel that cross-cousins are more like full siblings than prospective spouses. In other words, there was rational interest in preserving the species. When greeted by a person from the Bretuo, the reply should be "Yaa etwie nana". Totem: The totem of the Biretuo Abusua is a Leopard. They are the smallest clan amongst the Akan. Akans are one of the major ethnic groups in Ghana, and they speak the twi language. Their legendry ancestor, Atsu enya, was reputed to have led the Anlo on their migration to their present country. The Agona Clan predominantly occupy the Denkyira area. Opera News furthermore does not condone the use of our platform for the purposes encouraging/endorsing hate speech, violation of human rights and/or utterances of a defamatory nature. For instance, the picture with a head on three heads, a totem of the Eguafo Traditional Area called Tsi kor mmpam means two heads are better than one or governance is a collective of ideas. Akans are one of the major ethnic groups in Ghana, and they speak the twi language. This is the only clan whose members claim descent from a woman. Firth and Fortes in their contribution said that totemism was based on physical or psychological similarities between the clan and the totemic animal. This is the official publishing account of https://www.ghlinks.com.gh/ for all general based post . [] The constitution of the Republic of Ghana recognizes customary law and usage and thus such marriages are not illegal in Ghana (25 May 2005). 30 Aug. 2000) and Kyebi (GhanaWeb.com. Historians are divided on the movement pattern as some put the line of migration as being Ketu-Tado-Notsie or Oyo-Ketu-Notsie, or Oyo-Ketu-Tado-Notsie. In most cases the totemic animal or plant is considered as an object of taboo. Art Dyson, the iconic hairstylist who developed thermal blow-drying after leaving the military, Chicken stock for bubble butts, this is the dangerous road plied by Congolese women [Video]. The fifteen clans of Anlo include Lafe, Amlade, Adzovia, Bate, Like, Bamee, Klevi, Tovi, Tsiame, Agave, Ame, Dzevi, Vifeme, Xestofe, and Blu. This is IvyPanda's free database of academic paper samples. Note that, among the Asante people, every child automatically belongs to the clan of his/her mother. December 19, 2020, 3:35 pm, Every Anlo male and female is said to belong to one of 15 clans known as hlwo and each clan or hl is identified by a number of paternal line called t-ome.. This shall be demonstrated by demystifying the classification of various animal totems, categorising them into clans or groups, and evaluating their distinct features or characteristics and their impact on the human being. Totems which are artistically designed by experienced wood carvers and goldsmiths have several implications on ones ethnic identity. She gave birth to Nana Dante and Nana Dufie Gyampontima. Some breaks were voluntary while others were involuntary. Newborn Anlo Ewe girls also have their ears pierced on the seventh day and named. 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. Other information on whether men are forced to marry their uncle's daughter, the age of marriage, the reasons for marriage, the consequences of refusal and available state protection was not found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate. 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. 6.Aduana Clan. Totem: The totem of the Ekuona Abusua is a Buffalo. [Accessed 24 May 2005], Nordic Journal of African Studies [Helsinki]. In some part of the western region, the symbol of the Oyoko clan is rat. 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. The response of people from this clan when greeted is Yaa ofori nana.Other clans of this town are Ejura,Feyiase,Manso-Nkwanta,Bonwire,Atwima-Agogo,Abrakaso,Taabuom,Beposo,Toase,Abirem,Adanse-Akrofrom,Asotwe,Onwe, Manso Nkwanta,Tano-Odumase,Anyinasu,Manso-Atwedie,Domenase,Onwi-Odaho,Denyase-Odaho,Akwamu Kumase,Kronko-Kumase,Konongo,Apemanin,Kotei,Antoa-Krobo,Senkyi,Adadientam,Dedesua,Manson_Asaman,Akwamu-Bewkai,Sabene_Akrofroum and Konongo-Odumase. It is therefore not surprising that Ghana has become the pinnacle of the African continent in many aspects due to its monumental cultural heritage. In addition to that, at least 35 smaller towns in the Ashanti Region are ruled by Asona lineages. Fantes or "Mfantsefo" are one of the major ethnic groups in Ghana, and they are dominant and can be found in the Central region of Ghana. Below are the List Of Akan Clans In Ghana The eight [Asante] clans are Oyoko, Bretuo, Agona, Asona, Asenie, Aduana, Ekuona, and Asakyiri. IvyPanda, 16 Sept. 2019, ivypanda.com/essays/the-akan-clan-system/. Thus, members of the clan inherit traits of their totem animal. Learn how and when to remove this template message, Changing Funeral Celebrations in Asanteman, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Abusua&oldid=1145161792, Gyekye, Kwame, An essay on African philosophical thought: the Akan conceptual scheme, 1995, This page was last edited on 17 March 2023, at 16:10. We utilize security vendors that protect and Whatever their origin, they possess herds of cattle and some of their totems are cattle, while others are vegetable or plant totems; whereas purely pastoral people have totems relating almost entirely to cattle, and peasants who till the soil have totems taken from plants or things relating to agriculture. There are Eight clans among the Akans they are; These various clans have their founding Fathers, Various totem animals they use to represent them,their mode of greetings,their peculiarities among others. Other towns are Bekwae, Mamponten, Bogyae, Dadieso, Obogu, Asaaman Adubiase, Pampaso, Kontanase, Kenyase, and Ntonso. The Akan people believe that they originate from a common ancestor. These clans have an emblem or totem that represents them and in this article depicts the seven clans of the Fantes and their totems. I feel very proud when I see my totem which is the crow, but I dont understand its meaning, Kwamena said laughing, when I asked him about how he sees the usefulness of totems as family and clan symbols. Remarkably, there is a specific tradition to choose a chief. They are also committed to their clans as well as families. Your email address will not be published. They must not use the following local trees as firewood: Aviatsi, Xe and Xetolia. However, there are features which unite all Akan people. The symbol of the totem may be tattooed on the body, engraved on weapons, pictured in masks. The use of totem dates back to centuries. This clan has its totem to be a Plantain tree that supplies staple food and it signifies excellence and Ambition. Therefore it has become rare. 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. When properly utilised, Ghana can earn foreign exchange from people coming to learn about these historical totems of our clans, communities, kings and chiefs. As has been mentioned above, there are eight Akan clans. The Oyoko clan is the clan in which the King of the Asante Monarch His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu ll hails from. I left church because of tight wearing dresses by ladies -Kwabena Kwabena, Asantehene and wife to attend Coronation of King Charles lll, Aboakyer 2023 opens with cycle race competition, Minority Leader slams government for challenges faced by Ghanaian Banks. The first king of the Agona Clan is Nana Boa Amponsem I who created the first Akan Empire which mostly traded in gold and Kola nuts.When greeted their response is Yaa ago nana.Some towns of the Agona Clan include Tafo,Bodwesango,Fomesua,Asienimpom,Trede Ahwaa,Ampabame,Nkwawie,Konkoma,Gyenyase,Amoaman,Adwuman,Sepe,Akyenakron and Asuonwin. [2] They make up 3.7% of the population of Ghana. They must not eat etskple. The present paper focuses on the Akan clan system. 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. Ekuona are not found in great numbers in Asante. Their modern states are Akyem, Bosome, Dankyira and Kotoku. The totem of the Agona people is the parrot hence their linguistic prowess. Bamee babies must not be anointed with shea butter exposed to naked fire. The original clans from 'HOGBE' (Nortsie) were the. However, the military defeat of Anlo rather united the neighboring Ewe states to Anlo. Their totem is the leopard. They founded Ashanti Kingdom. They are ready to cooperate and listen to different viewpoints. Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. The symbol of the Agona is the parrot. The principal towns are Edweso and Offinso. 4.Asona Clan. Cultural diversity in Ghana cannot be over-emphasised. Nsona Nsona Clan is one of the seven clans of the Fantes tribe in Ghana. The Akan people see their totem as a kind of ancestor. Opera News furthermore does not condone the use of our platform for the purposes encouraging/endorsing hate speech, violation of human rights and/or utterances of a defamatory nature. The Ewe language Ewegbe belongs to a member of the Kwa family of Sudanic languages which constitute a sub-family of the Niger-Congo family of the Congo-Kordofanian language family of Africa. THE KING. The two clans have identical observances except for the cults. When the wife of a Bate man is pregnant she is forbidden to receive anything from anybody across a fence. Labi, K.A. To Europeans, the animal (or plant) painted on a special background was known as a coat of arms. 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. Fantes have seven major clans and the inhabitants of the towns in the central region belongs to one of these "Abusuakuw" which means clan. 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). Nkansa-Kyeremateng, K. (1996). Mahama donates Ghs10,000 to families of teenagers drowned at Apam beach The main staple foods are made with: Maize - Banku, akple, mmore, dokonu, fonfom and tuo zaafi Rice- Omo Tuo, Waakye, plain rice, jollof rice, fried rice, angwa moo and ngwo moo Cassava - Kokonte, fufuo, gari, plakali, and attieke Yam - Yam fufuo, ampesie and mpotompoto Beans The Twidan clan is one of the clans of the "Mfantsefo" of Fantes and this clan has its totem to be a Leopard which signifies an emblem of violence. Lets begin with the most powerful among these clans. []. 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. [Accessed 24 May 2005], GhanaWeb.com. Nana Yankyimadu of Akorokyere is their well known ancestor. 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. The Akan Clan System. Clan definition, a group of families or households, as among the Scottish Highlanders, the heads of which claim descent from a common ancestor: the Mackenzie clan. Violation of the taboo may result in your demise.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'ghlinks_com_gh-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',120,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-ghlinks_com_gh-medrectangle-4-0'); Clan cults: Aadoaklo, Kodzikli, Aadatsi, Tsiamitsi. Mitupo have been used by the Shona people since their culture developed. Other towns of the Asenie are Antoa, Agona, Nkoranza, Wenchi, Atwoma, Kofiase, Abira, Baman, Denyase and Boanim. This is the second largest ethnic group in Ghana and is comprised of many different sub-groups, such as the Dagomba, Mamprusi and Mossi. This group arrived in Ghana in 1500. When greeted a member of the Asakyiri Clan response is Yaa Ofori nana.Other Towns of the Asakyiri clan are Abofuo,Abrenkese,Asakyiri(Amansie)Abofuo,Kusa,Odumase(Adanse),Benin,Afeduase-Adukro Boaberease(Adanse) and Apeadu. Why this entrance exam at the British Council gate? 3.Agona Clan. IvyPanda. Looking forward to fruitful visit to Ghana - Japanese PM. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. They occupy about two thirds of the territory of the country. 25 May 2005. 16 September. The Gonja are a Guan people who have been influenced by Dagbon, Akan, Mande and Hausa people. Members of this clan are hardworking,clever and brave. Below are the List Of Akan Clans In Ghana. The Akan Clan System. Hence, several members of the clan make the most important decisions together after a discussion. The rationale behind this is that, parrots are vocal and could even speak human language with time when reared in the house. References This page was last edited on 7 June 2022, at 01:04 (UTC). Vol. 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. Cape Coast which is the capital city of the Central region and is one of the historic towns in Ghana's History. Members of Asenie clan are said to be diplomatic and very brave. They are mostly Muslims, and Islamic worshipers that make up about 58% of the population. Your privacy is extremely important to us.
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10 clans in ghana and their totems