Reducing the male monopoly of State drumming in Ghana: the Axim experience

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Periodical article

Title:	Reducing the male monopoly of State drumming in Ghana: the Axim experience
Author:	Adjei, Godwin K.
Year:	2007
Periodical:	Research Review (ISSN 0855-4412)
Volume:	23
Issue:	2
Pages:	71-79
Language:	English
Notes:	biblio. refs.
Geographic terms:	Ghana West Africa
Subjects:	drumming musicians gender roles women popular beliefs Anthropology, Folklore, Culture Drum--Performance Chiefdoms Social role
Abstract:	This paper, which is based on empirical research - participant observation and interviews - conducted between 2001 and 2007 in Axim (Western Region of Ghana), looks at the changing role of women in the area of court music. Following exposés on the evolution of chieftaincy and the nomination and election of a new chief, the paper shows that women do not drum as a rule because drumming is strenuous for women, and, second, because in the past it was believed that a woman in her menstrual period might defile the drums. Next, the paper looks at taboos about menstruation in general. Then, the paper examines the role of women in State drumming in Axim. In the wake of social change, and particularly the resurgence of gender issues, women have started making incursions into the area of State drumming. Finally, the paper pays attention to the current challenges facing drumming, including opposition by Christian churches. Bibliogr., note, ref., sum. in English and French. [ASC Leiden abstract]