Masquerades
Masquerades are part of a youth culture that has taken roots in the ritual framework
of Ghanaian society. Especially at the Coastal areas, Masquerading youth are part of the procession in the
Fetu Afahye festival of the Oguaa people (Cape-Coast). The Masquerades are a keen highlight in the festival
and their role cannot be underestimated. Recent research carried out on this ritual show a significant link
and association with Catholicism AND the celebration of Carnival. Picture above shows masquerades dancing a
special ritual dance at the Festival in Cape-Coast. How can New Media play a role in helping to
trace and connect the varied antecedents and links?
Picture is owned by Culture Education and Technology
Network © 2004
Libation Pouring
Libation is the ritual communication with deities or "gods" facilitated through the
elements of nature. The prefered element, water was used in the past but colonial influence caused a shift to
alcohol. Since the 19th century to this day, libation pouring is enabled by De Kuyper's Schiedam Schnapps from
The Netherlands. The complexity of the shift is well-documented and New Media can play a vital role in preserving
the pied linkage. Picture shows Krobo Priest and Priestess performing the annual blocking of the road ritual
Picture is owned by Dr. Marijke Steegstra © April 1999
Asafo Companies
Asafo Companies are the military and traditional security of the coastal chiefs, notably the
Oguaa enclave of the Cape-Coast region. There are several companies that are responsible for community and royal
protection. Their role in Chieftaincy and local mobilization cannot be underestimated. Every year, they have special
parades and ritual dances with emblem-ic flags depicted hyroglyphx-like stories of prowess and strength. Extensive
research shows their associations to the Dutch and British secret services. Using Web 2.0, i connect the aspects of
the Asafo Companies, their ritual flag dance and other relevant data. Picture shows an Asafo Company and their leader
in a ritual trance and flag dance.
Picture is owned by Culture Education and Technology Network © 2004
Ghanaian Couture
Couture is an important aspect of Ghanaian life. From royalty to the ordinary person, clothes
and the style/fabric plays a tremendous role in identity and power. Important to this ideal is the role several
links have influenced such tastes. The Dutch and their Helmond Dutch Wax Cloth, the Austrians and their Lace cloth
and local/foreign influences on the shape and form of Kente embroidery. Picture shows queenmothers clad in Wax and
Lace cloths at a conference in Kumasi.
Picture is owned by Culture Education and Technology Network © 2003
