Asante Court Music and Verbal Arts in Ghana: The Porcupine and the Gold Stool

Asante Court Music and Verbal Arts in Ghana is a comprehensive portrait of Asante court musical arts, focusing on the intersections between lived experience, music, and values. It includes a critical assembly of ancient song texts, poetry of bards, and referential poetry performed by members of the constabulary. The performing arts are complex sites for recording and storing personal experiences, and the book aims to privilege the voices of the Asante and how they express their history, religious philosophy, social values, economic, and political experiences through the musical and allied arts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 01 February 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Asante Court Music and Verbal Arts in Ghana is a comprehensive exploration of the rich tapestry of Asante court musical arts. Through a seamless blend of historical narratives and in-depth analyses of texts performed on drums, ivory trumpets, and a cane flute, the book presents a critical assembly of ancient song texts, the poetry of bards (kwadwom), and referential poetry performed by members of the constabulary (apae). The central focus lies in the intricate intersections between lived experiences, music, and values, referencing musical examples drawn from court ceremonies, rituals, festivals, as well as informal performances elicited during fieldwork.

For the Asante, the performing arts serve as profound platforms for recording and preserving personal experiences, a tradition that has endured for centuries with remarkable consistency and self-awareness. This book harnesses a diverse range of archaeological, archival, historical, ethnographical, and analytical sources to present a holistic view of the Asante experience as it manifests in its musical and allied arts. Its primary objective is to elevate the voices of the Asante and explore how they express their history, religious philosophy, social values, economic, and political experiences through the musical and allied arts.

The authors' theoretical framework incorporates the concept of value, referring to the ideas, worldview concepts, beliefs, and social relationships that shape musical practices and choices within the Asante culture. By delving into these multifaceted aspects, the book offers a profound understanding of the intricate interplay between music, culture, and society in the Asante realm.

This comprehensive study not only sheds light on the musical traditions of the Asante but also provides valuable insights into the broader cultural and historical context of Ghana. It serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Asante and their contributions to the world of music and beyond.

Weight: 424g
Dimension: 157 x 231 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032235585