Chinchirisi: the phenomenon of 'spirit children' among the Nankani of northern Ghana

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Periodical article

Title:	Chinchirisi: the phenomenon of 'spirit children' among the Nankani of northern Ghana
Author:	Amenga-Etego, Rose Mary
Year:	2008
Periodical:	Legon Journal of the Humanities (ISSN 0855-1502)
Volume:	19
Pages:	183-214
Language:	English
Notes:	biblio. refs.
Geographic terms:	Ghana West Africa
Subjects:	Farefare spirits religion Religion and culture Frafra (African people)
Abstract:	The identity of the 'spirit child' (chinchirigo) may be ambiguous, but the phenomenon remains a vital component of the religio-cultural system of the Nankani of northern Ghana. Like other belief systems in Africa, the chinchirisi phenomenon is not limited to people's spirituality. It transcends the realm of the sacred into the daily lives of the community as a form of explanation of the puzzles and complexities of life. The article examines how some of the practices associated with the phenomenon are becoming a source of concern in contemporary society. In particular, it explores in what ways and to what extent this religio-cultural phenomenon is a challenge to euthanasia, human rights and rural development in contemporary society. Bibliogr., notes, sum. [ASC Leiden abstract]