Go to AfricaBib home

Go to AfricaBib home AfricaBib Go to database home

bibliographic database
Line
Previous page New search

The free AfricaBib App for Android is available here

Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Festivals in Ghana: Continuity, Transformation and Politicisation of Tradition
Author:Odotei, IreneISNI
Year:2002
Periodical:Transactions of the Historical Society of Ghana (ISSN 0855-3246)
Issue:6
Pages:17-34
Language:English
Notes:biblio. refs.
Geographic terms:Ghana
West Africa
Subjects:traditional festivals
Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
Ethnic and Race Relations
Politics and Government
Anthropology, Folklore, Culture
festivals
Traditional culture
social history
Political aspects
Traditional practices
External link:https://www.jstor.org/stable/41406666
Abstract:Festivals are multidimensional. The religious, political, social and artistic are combined in a unique performance. Most festivals in Ghana are also traditional in the sense that they are rooted in the world view and belief system of the people. While every festival has a focus around which its activities are organized, the religious or spiritual element is the binding factor, for in the world view and belief system of Ghanaians, every activity has its source and is sustained by the spiritual world through the gods and the ancestors. As an integral feature of the culture of the people of Ghana the festival as a traditional institution has displayed a remarkable capacity for survival and resilience. The importance of festivals has been recognized by the State, religious bodies, commercial enterprises, politicians and other agencies. Their interventions, and the forces of globalization, have transformed Ghanaian traditional festivals and contributed to their politicization. As a result, the external show during the festival comes to take precedence over the ritual aspect. The article is based on participant observation, interviews with chiefs, members of festival committees, and other key role players. App., bibliogr., notes. [ASC Leiden abstract]
Views
Cover