Abstract: | The chiefs of the town of Takyiman (north of Kumasi, Brong-Ahafo region, Ghana) claim descent from the rulers of Bono-Manso. The oral traditions of Takyiman were recorded and published by Mrs Meyerowitz with the willing co-operation of the Omanhene, Nana Akumfi Ameyaw III. The Omanhene saw in Mrs Meyerowitz's research an opportunity to advertise the Takyiman case in a land dispute with Ashanti. In 1945 the Takyimanhene invited Mrs Meyerowitz interpreter, Mr Kofi Antubam, to carry on with the investigation. Through him Mrs Meyerowitz came into possession of the data from which she was able to construct a chronology for the kings and queenmothers of Bono-Manso. This chronology met with a mixed reception and was accepted by some and rejected by others. For the most part it has simply been ignored. Purpose of this paper is to show that the published data can neither be accepted nor disregarded as they stand. Their authenticity is hardly open to doubt; their reliability is a different question. Notes, tables, figures, summary. |