The Cry of an Akan old lady

 

The Ashanti tribe is the largest in Ghana. It makes up about half of the country’s population.  

In Ashanti culture, an individual's death and funeral are significant for the whole community. A person’s family plays a hands-on role in preparing the body, both before and after death. 

The main funeral festivities begin after burial. Family, friends, and acquaintances all attend to commemorate the passing of the person’s soul to Okra, the ancestral world. 

Once in Okra, the soul becomes a protective spirit, and it is therefore highly venerated.  It’s not uncommon for hundreds of attendees to join in the festivities. 

At the celebration, Ashanti chiefs sit in the shade of colorful umbrellas to observe. The family members of the deceased wear red and black, and men wear large black cloths across their shoulders. Traditional greetings take place upon arrival, after which dancing begins. 

check the cry of a Ashanti woman crying and pounding fufu.

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