Introduction
The introduction of the 200-page book:
Introduction to Asante Funeral Practices: The chapter opens by situating Asante funerals within the broader context of cultural and societal change. It highlights how these ceremonies serve as a mirror reflecting the dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity in Ghanaian society.
Historical and Cultural Background: The text delves into the historical roots of Asante funerals, tracing how these practices have evolved over time. It discusses the impact of colonialism, Christianity, and globalisation on these traditions.
The Funeral as a Social Event: Describes how Asante funerals are not just about mourning the dead but also serve as significant social gatherings. They are occasions for reinforcing social bonds, status affirmation, and community cohesion.
Economic Aspects of Funerals: The economic implications of funeral celebrations are explored, discussing the substantial costs involved and their impact on family and community finances. The chapter critiques the commercialization of funeral practices and its effects on societal values.
Cultural Significance and Symbolism: Analyses the symbolic elements of Asante funerals, including the use of specific colours, textiles, and rituals. These elements are rich in cultural meaning and express beliefs about life, death, and the afterlife.
Modern Influences and Adaptations: Examines how Asante funeral practices have adapted to contemporary influences. This includes the incorporation of modern technology, changes in funeral attire, and the blending of traditional and Christian religious elements.
Debates and Divergent Views on Funeral Practices: The chapter presents various perspectives within the Asante community regarding the evolution of funeral practices. It discusses debates over the appropriateness of certain innovations and the tension between preserving tradition and embracing change.
The Role of Funerals in Asante Identity: Concludes with a reflection on the role of funerals in shaping and expressing Asante identity. It argues that despite changes, funerals remain a vital part of cultural heritage, serving as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of Asante culture in the face of change.
Chapter 1: Person and Death: Future Remembrance
The first chapter of "Long Live the Dead: Changing Funeral Celebrations in Asante, Ghana," titled "Person and Death: Future Remembrance", delves into the cultural, social, and transformative aspects of funerals in Asante society, as observed and analysed by Marleen de Witte. The chapter, spanning from pages 23 to 51, offers a detailed examination of the Asante people's practices, beliefs, and changes over time regarding death and funerals. The key insights and observations:
Introduction to Asante Funerals: The chapter opens by setting the stage with a vivid description of a typical Asante funeral, emphasising the social significance, elaborate celebrations, and the blending of tradition with modernity. The detailed recounting of Agnes Ankobiah's funeral serves as a case study to illustrate these points.
Cultural Importance and Social Functions: Funerals in Asante culture are depicted as major social events that reinforce social ties, affirm community solidarity, and showcase family prestige. They are also moments for collective mourning and remembrance, where the deceased's life is celebrated and their transition to the ancestor world is facilitated.
Economic Implications and Modern Influences: The text discusses how modern influences and economic factors have transformed funeral practices, making them more lavish and expensive. This change reflects broader socio-economic shifts in Ghanaian society, including the impact of globalisation, urbanisation, and changing family dynamics.
Conflicting Conceptions of Death: The chapter explores the Asante's complex views on death, which intertwine fear, respect, and the belief in an afterlife. Death is not seen as an end but as a transition to the ancestral realm, where the deceased assumes a protective role over the living.
The Social Person: Death is portrayed as a critical moment in a person's "social career," where their social identity and contributions to the community are solidified through funeral rituals. The concept of "social personhood" extends beyond physical death, maintained through memory, oral histories, and the continuation of social bonds.
Person Imagery and Memory: It delves into the role of imagery, symbols, and rituals in preserving the memory of the deceased. Funerals incorporate visual representations, speeches, and performances that celebrate the deceased's life and virtues, ensuring their legacy endures within the community.
Transformation and Adaptation of Funeral Practices: The text examines how Asante funeral practices have evolved, adapting to contemporary challenges while retaining core cultural values. This adaptability is seen as a testament to the resilience and dynamism of Asante cultural identity in the face of change.
Discussion on Modernity and Tradition: The chapter engages with debates on the tension between modernity and tradition in funeral practices, arguing that these events are sites of cultural negotiation where new and old practices coexist and inform each other.
Chapter 2: Family and Death: ”Abusua do Funu”
The second chapter of "Long Live the Dead: Changing Funeral Celebrations in Asante, Ghana," titled "Family and Death: 'Abusua D:J Funu'", further explores the complex interplay between family dynamics, social status, and funeral practices within the Asante community. The key insights and observations:
Introduction to Funeral Practices: The chapter opens with a poignant description of a funeral scene, emphasising the grandeur and emotional intensity of Asante funerals. This sets the stage for a deeper exploration into the cultural and social significance of these ceremonies.
Conflicting Conceptions of Death: The author discusses the varied and often conflicting perceptions of death within the Asante community, highlighting the coexistence of traditional beliefs, Christian doctrines, and modern perspectives. This section underscores the complexity of navigating these beliefs in funeral practices.
Traditional Akan Cosmology: An in-depth look at the traditional Akan beliefs surrounding death, personhood, and the afterlife. The chapter elaborates on the tripartite nature of the human being (body, spirit, and soul) and the journey of these elements post-death, drawing on historical texts and contemporary practices.
The Role of Ancestors: The importance of ancestors in Asante culture is emphasised, with funerals serving as a critical point of connection between the living and the dead. The text explores how funerals affirm kinship ties and the deceased's place within the ancestral lineage, reflecting broader social and familial structures.
Cultural Practices and Rituals: The chapter provides detailed accounts of the rituals and cultural practices associated with Asante funerals, including the presentation of 'burial things,' the symbolic use of colours, and the criteria for becoming an ancestor. These elements highlight the rich tapestry of Asante funeral traditions and their significance in maintaining social bonds and cultural identity.
Influence of Christianity: The impact of Christianity on Asante funeral practices and beliefs about the afterlife is critically examined. The chapter discusses how Christian teachings on heaven, hell, and judgement day intersect with and transform traditional beliefs, illustrating the dynamic nature of cultural adaptation.
Contemporary Challenges and Adaptations: The text delves into the contemporary challenges faced by the Asante community in upholding funeral traditions, including economic pressures and the influence of modernity. It reflects on how these challenges lead to adaptations in practices, underscoring the resilience and fluidity of cultural traditions.
Personal Narratives and Experiences: Through personal narratives and observations, the author provides insights into the lived experiences of individuals navigating the complex landscape of Asante funerals. These stories add depth and nuance to the discussion, offering a glimpse into the personal dimensions of cultural practices.
Reflections on Death and Identity: The chapter concludes with reflections on the broader implications of funeral practices for understanding Asante identity and the role of death in shaping social and familial structures. It suggests that funerals are not only about mourning the dead but also about affirming life, identity, and community bonds.
This chapter's detailed examination of Asante funeral practices, from the interplay of traditional beliefs and modern influences to the social and familial dynamics at play, offers a comprehensive understanding of the cultural significance of death and mourning in the Asante community.
Chapter 3: Community and Death: Attending Funerals
The third chapter of "Long Live the Dead: Changing Funeral Celebrations in Asante, Ghana," titled "Church and Death: Christian Burial", encompasses pages 81 to 102 and offers a profound examination of the influence of Christianity on funeral practices in Asante culture. This summary highlights the central themes and insights drawn from the chapter:
Integration of Christianity into Asante Funerals: The chapter discusses how Christian beliefs and practices have been integrated into the traditional Asante funeral rituals, altering aspects of the ceremonies and the perception of death and the afterlife.
Conflict between Traditional and Christian Practices: It highlights the ongoing tension between traditional Asante beliefs and the Christian doctrines introduced by missionary work, focusing on the adaptation and resistance to change within the community.
Economic and Social Implications: The chapter examines the economic and social implications of Christian burials, including the costs associated with more elaborate Christian funeral practices and their impact on the social standing of families.
Christianity's Influence on Mourning Practices: Detailed attention is given to the ways Christianity has transformed mourning practices, including the emphasis on Christian virtues in eulogies and the shift from communal to individual-focused remembrance.
Adaptation of Funeral Practices: It explores how Asante people navigate the intersection of traditional and Christian funeral practices, finding a balance that respects both belief systems while addressing practical concerns such as costs and social expectations.
Role of Christian Institutions: The involvement of Christian churches in regulating and standardising funeral practices is discussed, including their efforts to minimise traditional elements they deem non-Christian.
Continuity and Change: The chapter reflects on the themes of continuity and change, showing how Asante funerals have become sites of cultural negotiation, where traditional and Christian elements coexist and evolve.
Critique and Acceptance: It provides a critique of the wholesale adoption of Christian practices, urging a more nuanced understanding of Asante cultural identity and the importance of maintaining a balance between tradition and modernity.
This chapter offers a comprehensive look at the complex interplay between Christianity and Asante cultural traditions in the context of funerals, highlighting how religious beliefs, colonial history, and modern challenges have shaped current practices.
Chapter 4: Business and Death: The “Funeral Industry”
The fourth chapter of "Long Live the Dead: Changing Funeral Celebrations in Asante, Ghana," titled "Business and Death: The 'Funeral Industry'", explores the commercial aspects surrounding funeral practices in Asante culture. Marleen de Witte provides an in-depth analysis of how funerals, traditionally rich in cultural significance, have also become arenas for economic activities, reflecting broader trends in Ghanaian society. Here's an extensive summary in bullet points:
Introduction to the Funeral Industry: The chapter begins by illustrating how funerals in Asante are not just cultural events but have also become opportunities for various businesses. This includes services for catering, decoration, and even music, indicating a thriving 'funeral industry.'
Cultural Shifts and Economic Opportunities: De Witte describes how traditional Asante funerals have been transformed by economic opportunities, leading to the emergence of local entrepreneurs catering to the growing demand for funeral services. This includes catering businesses, coffin makers, and providers of funeral attire and accessories.
Role of Music and Performances: The importance of music, particularly highlife, and performances by cultural groups at funerals is highlighted. These elements are integral to the funeral business, with DJs and performers becoming key figures in setting the tone and atmosphere of the ceremonies.
Gift Shops and Rental Services: The chapter discusses the novel concept of gift shops and rental services for funeral items, such as elaborate cloth and symbolic gifts, demonstrating the commercialization of traditional practices.
Coffin Makers and the Evolution of Coffin Designs: The evolution of coffin designs, including the introduction of 'fantasy coffins,' is explored. This section underscores how coffin making has become a specialised craft within the funeral industry, reflecting the deceased's life and status.
The Role of Painters and Sculptors: De Witte examines how painters and sculptors contribute to funeral practices by creating portraits and tombstones, further indicating the blend of artistry and commerce in funerals.
Influence of Media and Advertisement: The impact of media and advertisement on funeral practices is analysed. Obituaries and memorial announcements in newspapers and on radio play a significant role in publicising funerals, reflecting social status and family connections.
Emergence of 'Funeral Loans' and Financial Aspects: The chapter addresses the financial aspects of organising funerals, including the trend of 'funeral loans.' This highlights how funerals have become significant economic burdens for families, leading to the involvement of banks and financial institutions.
Cultural and Social Implications: Finally, De Witte reflects on the cultural and social implications of the funeral industry. She suggests that while these commercial practices have transformed funerals, they also underscore the enduring importance of funerals in Asante society for social cohesion, status affirmation, and the expression of modern identities.
This summary of the chapter "Business and Death: The 'Funeral Industry'" outlines how Asante funerals have evolved into complex events where tradition meets modernity, underscored by significant economic activities. It reflects broader trends in Ghanaian society regarding death, mourning, and the celebration of life, illustrating a dynamic interplay between cultural practices and economic realities.
Chapter 5: Church and Death: Christian Burial
The fifth chapter, titled "Church and Death: Christian Burial," from Marleen de Witte's "Long Live the Dead: Changing Funeral Celebrations in Asante, Ghana," examines the intricate interplay between Christianity and funeral practices in Asante, Ghana. The key points and insights from this chapter:
Integration of Christianity and Asante Funeral Traditions: The chapter begins with the story of Jpanin Theophilus Kwaku Busumbru, an Ekuonahene and an elder in the Catholic Church, illustrating how Christian and traditional Asante funeral practices intertwine.
Christianity's Influence on Funeral Practices: It delves into the history and development of Christianity in Ghana, highlighting the efforts by missionaries to influence local funeral practices and the resultant syncretism.
Church's Role in Funeral Services: The chapter explores the significant role of the church in organising and conducting funeral services, including the last sacraments, burial services, and the pastor's involvement in reinforcing Christian values and beliefs about death and the afterlife.
Christian Identity and Funeral Practices: It discusses how Christian identity influences funeral practices, focusing on the importance of a Christian burial as a testament to the deceased's faith and the community's acknowledgment of their religious life.
Contemporary Challenges and Adaptations: The narrative addresses contemporary challenges and adaptations within Christian funeral practices, including conflicts between traditional and Christian beliefs, economic considerations, and the church's role in mediating these tensions.
Impact of Pentecostalism and Charismatic Movements: The chapter examines the influence of Pentecostal and charismatic movements on funeral practices, emphasising a break from traditional practices and the incorporation of modernity and individualism.
Social and Economic Dimensions of Funerals: It highlights the social and economic dimensions of Christian funerals, including the commercialization of funeral services and the symbolic importance of consumption and wealth display.
Conclusion and Future Directions: The chapter concludes by reflecting on the ongoing evolution of funeral practices in Asante, Ghana, amidst the tensions between tradition and modernity, Christianity and traditional beliefs, and individual and community expectations.
This summary encapsulates the chapter's exploration of how Christianity shapes funeral practices in Asante, revealing a complex landscape of cultural negotiation, adaptation, and resistance.
Chapter 6: State and Death: Funeral Regulation
The sixth chapter of "Long Live the Dead: Changing Funeral Celebrations in Asante, Ghana," titled "State and Death: Funeral Regulation," spans pages 158 to 185 and explores the complex interplay between state policies, traditional customs, and the regulation of funeral practices in Ghana. This analysis delves into the historical and contemporary efforts by both colonial and post-colonial governments to regulate funerals, alongside the responses from traditional authorities and the general populace. The key points and insights from this chapter:
Historical Context of Funeral Regulation: The chapter begins by examining the colonial government's attempts to regulate funeral practices to protect life, property, and promote orderliness. It discusses the suppression of certain traditional practices deemed harmful, such as the "afonsoa" custom.
Colonial and Post-Colonial Legislation: It details the various laws and bye-laws introduced to control funeral expenses and practices, highlighting the collaboration between colonial authorities and traditional leaders in creating regulations that aimed to curb extravagant funeral spending and alcohol consumption.
Contemporary Funeral Regulation: The narrative shifts to present-day Ghana, where despite the long history of regulation, funerals often exceed the boundaries imposed by authorities. It discusses recent laws implemented by traditional councils to reduce funeral costs and mitigate financial burdens on families, emphasising the social and economic motivations behind these regulations.
Challenges in Enforcement: The chapter addresses the difficulties in enforcing funeral regulations, noting that while some rules are adhered to, many are bypassed or ignored. It points out the complex dynamics between adhering to traditional customs and complying with official regulations.
Inheritance and the Law: Beyond funerals, the chapter explores how Ghana's laws on intestate succession, introduced in 1985, aim to improve the distribution of a deceased person's property, particularly benefiting widows and children. It discusses the mixed reception to these laws and their impact on traditional inheritance practices.
Cultural and Political Dimensions: The discussion highlights the state's role in shaping cultural practices and the political undertones in funeral participation by state officials. It touches on the government's concern over the high costs of funerals and the cultural policies aimed at preserving national heritage while fostering national unity.
State, Culture, and Funerals: Finally, the chapter delves into how the Ghanaian state engages with cultural practices through legislation and participation in funerals, illustrating the ongoing negotiation between tradition and modernity, community values, and individual rights within the broader context of Ghanaian society.
This chapter provides a thorough examination of the intersection between state policies, cultural practices, and the regulation of funerals in Ghana, highlighting the complexities of balancing tradition with modernity and the challenges of enforcement and compliance.
Chapter 7: Concluding remarks: Death and the negotiation of culture
The seventh chapter of "Long Live the Dead: Changing Funeral Celebrations in Asante, Ghana," titled "Concluding Remarks: Death and the Negotiation of Culture," examines the intricate ways in which death and funeral practices serve as a medium for the negotiation and expression of cultural values, identity, and social change within the Asante community. The key points and insights from this chapter:
Cultural and Social Dynamics: The chapter begins by reflecting on how Asante funerals are a complex interplay of cultural traditions, social expectations, and modern influences. Funerals are not only a time for mourning but also significant social events that reflect and reinforce community bonds, social hierarchies, and individual statuses.
Modern Influences and Traditions: It discusses the tension between preserving traditional funeral practices and adapting to modern influences. This includes changes in funeral arrangements due to economic factors, globalisation, and shifts in social values, illustrating how Asante society navigates between tradition and modernity.
Economic Aspects of Funerals: The economic implications of funerals are highlighted, emphasising how these ceremonies have become increasingly elaborate and costly. This shift reflects broader economic changes within Ghanaian society and raises questions about the sustainability and social implications of such expensive practices.
Social Identity and Memory: Funerals in Asante culture play a crucial role in reinforcing social identities, both for the deceased and the bereaved family. They serve as a platform for families to display their social standing, remember the deceased, and assert their place within the community.
Negotiation of Cultural Values: The chapter underscores how funerals are sites of cultural negotiation, where values around family, community, and individual achievement are expressed and contested. It shows how funeral practices are adapted to address contemporary challenges while striving to maintain cultural integrity.
Impact on Community Cohesion: Despite the potential for conflict and division, especially in cases of notable deaths that may involve disputes over succession or inheritance, funerals generally act to strengthen community ties. They bring people together in shared experiences of grief and celebration, underscoring the importance of community support in times of loss.
Reflections on Change and Continuity: The chapter concludes with a reflection on the dynamic nature of Asante cultural practices related to death and funerals. It argues that while certain aspects of these practices have evolved, the core values and purposes they serve within the society remain largely intact.
Future Directions: The author suggests that as Asante society continues to evolve, so too will its funeral practices. However, the fundamental role of funerals in mediating relationships between the living and the dead, and among the living themselves, is likely to endure, continuing to reflect the complex interplay between tradition and change in Asante culture.
This summary encapsulates the chapter's exploration of how Asante funerals are a microcosm of broader cultural, social, and economic processes, serving as a lens through which to understand the negotiation of culture in the face of changing times.