Libation and Praise in Ghanaian Oral Tradition
Update: 2012-10-18
Description
Ghanaian oral tradition consists of the following genres: oratory, proverbs, riddles, drum language, historical fragments, myths, legends, drama, libation and songs. This paper discusses the roles played by the last two named forms, libation and praise songs in Ghanaian society. The generic features of these forms are explicated in addition to a systematic analysis of their performance techniques, contexts, themes and functions. The paper concludes that libation and praise song, in particular, and the oral tradition in general, play significant roles in traditional Ghanaian communities. It asserts that these oral forms are created by the community to record, express and preserve their history, customs, worldview, spirituality, values, art and aesthetics. Their contents provide fresh materials for creative writing and scholarship in archaeology, modern history, literature, philosophy, and religion. They also reflect the hopes, fears, and aspirations of the people; and help in identity formation, socialization, group cohesion and cultural continuity. Despite the winds of globalization and technology blowing across Ghana today, these oral forms remain dynamic, resilient and resourceful.
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