Tako Daa among the Dagara of Northwestern Ghana: A Respite Pathway

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Periodical article

Title:	Tako Daa among the Dagara of Northwestern Ghana: A Respite Pathway
Author:	Kuupuo, Severo
Year:	2005
Periodical:	Journal of Dagaare Studies
Volume:	5
Pages:	11-18
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Ghana
Subjects:	popular beliefs Dagari Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
Abstract:	The Dagara of northwestern Ghana are subsistence farmers who depend primarily on rainfed agriculture. From this situation of dependence emerge many taboos connected with the land, the rain and the 'Tengan' (Earth Shrine). One of these taboos is the 'Tako daa', which is a day in the six-day market week on which farming is strictly forbidden. Based on studies of other scholars, informal interviews, questionnaires and own observations, the author outlines three different accounts of the origin, as well as the prohibitions and the penalties of 'Tako daa'. Although fizzling out, the 'Tako daa' taboo has played a vital role in social control and provided a way to rest and recreate. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum. [ASC Leiden abstract]