Funeral

As a village who still pride themselves in cultural practises, occasions like funerals are done to fulfil both traditional and Christian demands. Here in Gbledi- Gborgame, the home of the tallest mountain in Ghana, Afadjato, A sheep is been to the deceased’s family house for final funeral rites . In the background is a catholic church, the first and ‘legitimate’ church in the village of which the deceased is a member of. The deceased was the wife of the paramount chief of Gbledi Traditional Area

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Even though Ewes believe in life after death, the loss of a dear one is still a big blow to the family and a tragic matter casting gloom of those affected.

“If you do not have the heart, you better return”. A young warrior shows his pre-battle dancing. I used monochrome to bring out the details in his expression.

The sacrificial Lamb.The lamb for the funeral rituals is carried to the funeral grounds. I decided to bring the contrast and similarities of the catholic church which is the building in the background and traditional rites ongoing.

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The chief is being escorted by his entourage and mourners to bid his wife farewell.
Funerals are not private businesses in Ghana especially if it is that of a royal family. I document this picture to reflect the communal spirit behind funerals in Ghana.

Research has shown that, due to natural disasters and frequent deaths among the early ewes, they were known as sorrowful people and this is reflected in the repertoire of their dirges. This is a picture of my grand mother.

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Women are not excluded from the brafuo group.- The Ewes are related to the Former Dahomey Kingdom of Benin who had a female standing army called the Amazons. It is no surprise that this warrior group also have female soldiers. Even if it is merely for performance nowadays. I like the cat also in the frame because Ewes are seen as consumers of cats which is nicknamed Joseph. Many outside the Eweland do not believe that Ewes keep cats as pets. However, when does a pet become meat?

“May your spirit protect me and the children”. The Ewes believe in the existence of ancestors and their ability to influence the physical world.

Two Deaths do not make a life.

The Mortty family of which the deceased is a member of also hold chieftancy title. The lion of Judah depicted on the wall emphasis that the belief that they are of the tribe of Judah. Records shows that they migrated from modern day Ethiopia to their present day Ghana.

“Give unto the Lord what belongs unto the lord”. The funeral procession comes to the church for service.

“Church duties now”. Many of traditional rulers and guardians of tradition in the community are equally devoted members of the Catholic church in the community like my grandmother.