article

Asante praise poems: the ideology of patrimonialism

Paideuma • Published In 1986 • Pages: 163-197

By: Arhin, Kwame.

Abstract
Asante praise poems (APAEE) were recited in public by executioners during the Adae and Odwira festivals. The poems recount the heroic deeds of past kings to impress upon his subjects the king's supreme status. The Odwira festival includes the reenactment of the founding mythology of the dynasty and the parading of skulls of vanquished generals and rulers. In the poem the king embodies the highest of martial virtues and is identified with the entire nation. The article includes both a Twi transcription and English translation of a 418-line praise poem.
Subjects
Verbal arts
Status, role, and prestige
Texts in the speaker's language
Texts translated into english
culture
Akan
HRAF PubDate
2000
Region
Africa
Sub Region
Western Africa
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Social Scientist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard ;1999
Field Date
Not Specified
Coverage Date
1600-1900
Coverage Place
Ashanti; Ghana
Notes
Kwame Arhin
Includes bibliographical references (p. 197)
LCCN
sn 86010931
LCSH
Akan (African people)