Ŋku in the funeral traditions of the bakpɛle: Systemization and documentation

Abstract

The Bakpɛle (Likpe), in the Hohoe District, is one of the Guan speaking groups of the Volta Region. This research, which was carried out between August, 2013 and June, 2016, consists of studying Ŋku (dirges) as part of their funeral traditions. Following an initial study, I realized that Ŋku have not been given substantial ethnographic systemization and documentation. Analysing the problem of how ethnographically under-researched this topic area is, this study sets out to present a methodical documentation on the nature and structure of the genre. Research methodology included different interviews alongside participant observation, audio visual recordings, and library research. Recorded samples of songs were aggregated into sacred and secular components of lament and dance tunes while discussing the communicative and symbolic meanings underlying these songs. The study points out that the Bakpɛle’s worldview on death relates the genre of which the latter impacts and ties the attitudes and behavioural fabrics of the entire Bakpɛle society that it serves. In addition to the paucity of documentation on Ŋku, some major social elements have been found to have adversely affected their trend of performance in recent times. In view of these findings, the thesis recommends continuous performance of Ŋku during the Bakpɛle funerals for the sake of preservation and sustenance. It also recommends that bereaved families of the various funerals gather at a designated place to receive mourners and visitors amidst the singing of dirges, as a way of improving funeral performances among the Bakpɛle.