Amammerɛmma

Akanfuo ɔmu yɛ hwan? - Who are the Akans?

As Africans, we should recognize that our history is non-linear and often doesn't have just one story or origin. At the same time all of these innovations were being made in the Akan region, Eʋe peoples were also creating their own textile tradition independently. The Eʋe textile tradition pulled from different artistic inspirations and often prioritized artistic dexterity that resulted in complex weaves that depicted people, plants, animals and objects. This stands in contrast to Akan textile traditions that prioritized abstract symbology and representations of hierarchical power. We should be able to recognize the value of both of our artistic styles as well as their history and origin without seeking to invalidate other histories.

Asafo flag of the day: The Asafo Company warns the enemy that it is as dangerous as a buffalo that has been provoked by an inexperienced hunter. It is a warning message to the rival groups that if they know how to hunt, they should send their wise hunters and not small men. 🇬🇭

@Fran_ADK "Pioneer" and "first people" are analogous phrases. "Refined person" goes back to how I mentioned Akan carries the connotation of someone who has been trained in the ways of the culture.

@akanspace Not sure this is case. There is another definition for okanniba as a pioneer, patriot or a refined person. Akanniba, an Akan child is not the same as ɔkanniba or ɔkannifoɔ.

Firstborn in the Akan language is Piesie/Peɛseɛ or Abakan, the word Akan itself meaning the first or earliest people (both sharing the root -kan, meaning first) Okanniba means the child of the Akan but it also connotes someone who has been brought up in Akan custom and thusly knows right from wrong in the Akan tradition. It is said that when the personal morals of an Akan are brought into question, he or she may exclaim "Me ye Okanni!" - "I am an Akan!" This, In the words of D. Kiyaga-Mulindwa, meaning "I am a native of this place, knowing all the morals and values of my people, and therefore not one to be suspected of un-becoming behaviour." What the proverb is saying is that disgrace is not befitting of someone who has been raised to know the laws of the land, and the proper conduct of their culture.

This is incorrect. The correct expression is Akanni ba (“child of an Akan”), not Kanni ba (“firstborn child”). In the context of the proverb, Akanni refers to an Akan person, not a literal translation of “firstborn child.”

For more on the meaning and use of the term Akan, see Kiyaga-Mulindwa, D. “The ‘Akan’ Problem.”

Tumidie yɛ ɛhɔ ne hɔ - It takes moderation to handle power Mpanyinfɔ sɛ: Tumi tesε nkosua, wo somu den a εpae; wo somu merε nso a εbͻ. - Power is fragile like an egg, those who hold it too tightly and those who hold to too loosely both risk breaking it.

I have a cousin who says "melekɔ" instead of "merekɔ". But I see why some Akan groups call Amoakare folks "Amoakade." So people use the "r", "l" and "d" interchangeably. Interesting. Old researchers said some of our Kwahu Grannies said "Fiara" and not "Fiada"👇🤣.

An Asafo frankaa, or flag, is an appliqué banner made for a Fante Asafo company, a local military & civic group. It represented the company & was carried at festivals, ceremonies, & other public events. For a more in-depth look, kindly follow @AsafoFlags!

A Fante Asafo frankaa (19th –20th century).

Additionally, there has been a historical instance where three consecutive female amanhene were enstooled in the Dwaben state.

Nana Juaben Serwaa Agyemang II, initially an ɔhemaa took on the traditionally male ɔmanhene stool in the late 1950s which was exceptionally rare leadership especially in colonial and post colonial era.

This is the day names of Surinam. Surinam 🇸🇷 day names show striking similarities to Akan names. Interestingly, names like Kwasiba, Adjuba, Akuba, Afi, and Afiba have Ahanta and Nzema roots, confirming the slave journey of Coastal Akans (Fante, Ahanta, Nzema) to the Caribbean.

@xskvki West African village dogs, a close relative of the Basenji

@akanspace basenjis?

Dog naming in Akan: A tool for social communication A thread🪢:

Made a video that highlights a bit of this. Full video here; youtu.be/31-RaSdISnU

@AkanArchives Further reading on nnyesoɔ/ nnyesoɔ din Obeng, Samuel Gyasi. "˝In future if l buy a dog, l'll call it´Okyeman-is-ungrateful´." 1999 Gilbert, Michelle. “Disguising the Pain of Remembering in Akuapem.” 2010 Rattray, Robert Sutherland.  "Religion and Art in Ashanti." 1959.

In summary dogs and other animals were given names that made reference to the corpus of proverbs that were understood among Akan peoples. This allowed a dog owner to attach a name to their dog that would carry a meaning that they wanted to send to a particular individual or their community at large. Dog naming was made into a tool for communicating ideas while removing the bluntness of confrontation or standing as a reminder of known ideals in the community and society.