No Kagyin, No Funerals Among the Dagaaba of North-West Ghana: Understanding the Symbolic and Ritual Aspects of the Uses of Crops

George Dakurah; Vincent de Paul Kanwetuu; Adams Bodomo

doi:10.1177/00302228231157188

No Kagyin, No Funerals Among the Dagaaba of North-West Ghana: Understanding the Symbolic and Ritual Aspects of the Uses of Crops

Omega (Westport). 2023 Feb 14:302228231157188. doi: 10.1177/00302228231157188. Online ahead of print.

Authors

George Dakurah¹, Vincent de Paul Kanwetuu², Adams Bodomo³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Geography and Rural Development, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
² Department of Sociology and Social Work, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
³ Department of African Studies, University of Vienna, Austria.

PMID: 36788741
DOI: 10.1177/00302228231157188

Abstract

Using symbolic interactionism theory, this paper examines the role of sorghum in funeral celebrations among the Dagaaba of North-west Ghana. Employing mixed methods, the objectives are to examine: (1) the main stages of Dagaaba funerals, and (2) the symbolic and ritual uses of kagyin for funerals. The results revealed that kagyin is the first crop item that is placed beside a deceased to portray his/her farming trade whilst alive. Similarly, the study established that kagyin is given to undertakers which is used for performing required ritual sacrifices. Furthermore, it emerged from the study that sorghum is used for brewing dagadaa for funeral guests.

Keywords: Dagaaba; North-west Ghana; crops; funerals; kagyin; ritual; symbolic.