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.
- 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)