article

Ritual festivals and social cohesion in the Hinterland of the Gold Coast

American anthropologist, n.s.38 • Published In 1936 • Pages: 590-604

By: Fortes, Meyer.

Abstract
This source contains a brief summary of the non-material culture of the Tallensi which serves as a background for the main part of the article, a description of the harvest festivals of the two main groups of the Tallensi. Also briefly noted is the Golib festival of the Talis whose purpose is to ensure a successful sowing and harvesting of early millet and to call down the blessing of fertility in general. Fortes envisages these festivals essentially as being integrative mechanisms which restore the forces of social cohesion between the two opposing groups in Tallensi society, the Talis and the Namoos. Fortes was William Wyse Professor of Social Anthropology at the University of Cambridge.
Subjects
Community structure
Community heads
Localized kin groups
Priesthood
Avoidance and taboo
Cultural participation
Organized ceremonial
Magic
Sacred objects and places
Dance
Ingroup antagonisms
Visiting and hospitality
Prayers and sacrifices
Puberty and initiation
Functional and adaptational interpretations
culture
Tallensi
HRAF PubDate
2010
Region
Africa
Sub Region
Western Africa
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Timothy J. O'Leary ; 1957
Field Date
1934-1935
Coverage Date
1934-1936
Coverage Place
Tongo village, Ghana
Notes
Meyer Fortes
Includes bibliographical references
LCCN
17015424
LCSH
Tallensi (African people)