Fort Prindzenstein: a monument in the identity of Keta-Someawo

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Periodical article

Title:	Fort Prindzenstein: a monument in the identity of Keta-Someawo
Author:	Afeadie, Philip Atsu
Year:	2015
Periodical:	Ghana Studies (ISSN 1536-5514)
Volume:	18
Issue:	1
Pages:	3-22
Language:	English
Geographic terms:	Ghana Denmark
Subjects:	fortifications Anlo ethnic identity colonial history
Abstract:	European fortifications on the West African coastline, such as the Danish Fort Prindzenstein in present-day Ghana, symbolized Europeans' powerful presence and interaction with African people from the fifteenth to eighteenth century. This article examines the operation of Fort Prindzenstein, and the fort's impact on the local people of Keta, specifically the role of Prindzenstein in developing the identity of the people of Keta. To this end, the author explores events leading to the construction of Prindzenstein, the original identity of the local inhabitants prior to the fort's construction, general Danish administration, the initially effective management of Prindzenstein and spread of Danish influence, and the subsequent inefficient Danish administration, which affected the people of Keta and their identity. Sources include observations and reports of Danish officials, historical research on Ewe traditions as documented by European missionaries, and other studies of Ewe traditions by African and Africanist scholars, including Danish historian George Norregard. Bibliogr., notes, ref. [ASC Leiden abstract]