Long Live the Dead: Changing Funeral Celebrations in Asante, Ghana" by Marleen Witte offers a detailed exploration of Asante funeral practices, highlighting their cultural significance, complexity, and dynamism. Here is a summary:
Cultural Significance of Asante Funerals
Funerals in Ghana, particularly among the Asante, are grand and elaborate events, signifying the community's deep respect for the deceased.
Asante funerals are characterized by their vibrant celebration of life, rather than a somber mourning of death, blending traditional rituals with modern practices.
The funeral process involves extensive preparation, including laying-in-state, burial, and a celebratory funeral rite that includes music, dancing, and the presentation of 'burial things.'
Dynamic and Creative Practices
Asante funerals serve as a platform for artistic expression, showcasing traditional drum music, dance, highlife music, poetic oratory, and visual arts.
These celebrations are not only about honoring the deceased but also about reinforcing social ties, expressing communal solidarity, and displaying wealth and social status.
Societal and Economic Implications
The scale and extravagance of Asante funerals reflect broader societal values and the importance attached to family, tradition, and social prestige.
Funerals involve significant financial expenditure, leading to debates within the community and among scholars about the sustainability and social implications of such practices.
Transformations and Modern Influences
The introduction of modern technology, media, and changing economic conditions have transformed Asante funeral practices, making them more elaborate and expensive.
Despite concerns about the costs, funerals remain central to Asante culture, adapting to incorporate new elements while retaining traditional values.
Research Approach and Ethnographic Insights
The author's participant observation and engagement with the community in Bekwai provide a nuanced understanding of the role and evolution of funerals in Asante society.
The study emphasizes the complexity of Asante funerals, exploring how they negotiate between tradition and modernity, individual and communal interests, and local and global influences.
Conclusion
"Long Live the Dead" sheds light on the rich cultural tapestry of Asante funerals, illustrating how these celebrations are a vital aspect of social and cultural life in Ghana.
The work calls attention to the dynamic nature of cultural practices, highlighting the interplay between tradition, modernity, and the creative agency of individuals and communities.