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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Earth priests and earth shrines among the Konkomba people of northern Ghana
Author:Zimo'n, HenrykISNI
Year:1995
Periodical:Hemispheres: Studies on Cultures and Societies
Issue:10
Pages:77-86
Language:English
Geographic term:Ghana
Subjects:African religions
Konkomba
Abstract:The Earth plays an important role in the economic, social and religious life of the Konkomba people of northern Ghana. The Earth is worshipped in the homesteads and in the shrines which are taken care of by the Earth priest. Generally, there is one Earth priest in each clan. Political and religious power in the clan is wielded by the head of the clan and the Earth priest. The latter is a mediator between the people and supernatural beings and he looks after the shrines and the sacred places of the clan. The Earth shrine is the most important sacred place in the clan territory and the main centre of the Earth cult. It symbolizes the unity and autonomy of the clan, expressing a sacral relation between the clan members and the place where they live. Among the Konkomba, Earth shrines are most frequently baobab trees and groves. The paper is based on field studies carried out in 1984-1985 and 1990-1991 among five Konkomba tribes, viz. the Bitchabob, Nakpantiib, Binalob, Bimonkpom and Bigbem, who inhabit the area close to Saboba. In 1991 the author took part in the installation ritual of an Earth priest and in a ritual marking the beginning of fieldwork in the new agricultural season among the Binalob. Notes, ref.
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