Fante
The Fante (also known as Boribori Mfantsi) are the inhabitants of the central coastal region of Ghana. The Fante (sometimes spelled Fanti) are members of the Akan group who speak the Akan language called Twi. Fante along with Asante (another cultural group), comprise two of the largest and best known ethnic groups that make up the Akan. Akan is a generic term used to refer to a large number of linguistically related peoples who live in southern Ghana. The Akan people are among the most prominent and traditionally well-cultured inhabitants of Africa. There are many groups that constitute the Akan people and these natives respect and believe in tradition. As reflected in their life style, the important and essential events in their life involve various rituals and ceremonies. Evidently, Ghana is a land of rituals, shrines and festivals. Family plays an important role in the life of the Fante and past traditions have an influence on the way family life is situated. The Fante had a dual kinship system where both the mother’s and the father’s family were essential in determining ones identity. The relatives on the mother’s side were most important, especially maternal uncles. This was mainly because wealth and titles were
These aspects of family life and art obviously has an influence on the Fante people. Also, these features distinguish this group from other groups in West Africa. While the Fante are open to many new ideas, they manage to preserve their own cultures and themselves as a people. Many Fante predict the same will be true of the future. They believe that those aspects of Fante life that do not clash with modern trends are likely to continue. A girl who has performed bara is often engaged to be married shortly after the ceremony, if she does not already have a fiancé. Fante can be engaged during infancy or even more strangely, while still in the womb. If the children grow up and dislike each other, they can break off the engagement made long ago by their parents. If they decide to get married, the man gives a series of gifts to his fiancée’s parents. In the past, these gifts included meat and drinks, but today the gift is usually cash. The man then sends his father to his fiancée’s father so that he may formally request the woman’s hand in marriage. Once the woman’s father accepts the request, the groom’s father presents him with a gift of money or wine, often called tirinsa. This gift seals the marriage between the man and the woman. To end this ritual, the groom sends the brides family more gifts and the bride cooks a special meal for the groom and his friends. passed from maternal uncle to nephew, rather than from father to son. Hence, a boy’s rights connected him to his mothers family, which is known as the abusua. Sons frequently lived with their mater
Some topics in this essay:
Evidently Ghana,
Art Fante,
Ghana Akan,
Africa Fante,
Akan Akan,
Boribori Mfantsi,
Fante Asante,
Fanti Akan,
Ghana Fante,
male lineage,
proverbial wisdom theme,
animal imagery,
five days,
family life,
asafo company,
art form,
aspect fante,
asafo flags,
fante art,
akan people,
Join now to see the rest of the essay!
Approximate Word count = 1075
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
CUSTOMER SERVICES
| |
|
Example Essays Home
