The Problem of Feedback in Oral Tradition: Four Examples from the Fante Coastlands

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Periodical article

Title:	The Problem of Feedback in Oral Tradition: Four Examples from the Fante Coastlands
Author:	Henige, David P.
Year:	1973
Periodical:	The Journal of African History
Volume:	14
Issue:	2
Pages:	223-235
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Ghana
Subjects:	oral history Education and Oral Traditions Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
External link:	https://www.jstor.org/stable/180446
Abstract:	Uncritical and almost reflexive incorporation of available printed information into allegedly oral historical materials occurs particularly when oral traditions attempt to cope with material more than a century old. This paper discusses the mechanisms by which such 'feedback' materials were incorporated into the traditional accounts of four coastal Fante stools, and the ambiences which encouraged such processes. The discussion concerns the Elmina (Edina), British Komenda, Shama, and Ahanta (Bushua) stools. The traditional histories of these stools underwent great modification when during the period 1912 to 1927 (a new Native Administration Ordinance was promulgated) the British authorities granted nearly every claim for independence advanced by a subordinate stool. Notes, summary.