Dance, Movement and Songs as Mechanisms for Promoting Social Control and Social Cohesion: A Study of Kpashimo in Teshie Homowo and Fontomfrom in Adukrom Akuapem, Ghana

Abstract

The claim that dance is present in practically all events in the Ghanaian life cycle is not entirely mythical but indeed verifiable in most cases. Festivals and funerals are social events that are held in public to express, reflect and strengthen community social relationships, as well as celebrate the lives of significant relations who have died. They are two of the experiential rites of passage in the Ghanaian culture and are observed through the use of special forms of language, dance and music. These art forms have important roles to play in Ghanaian traditional events, their main function being that they engender unity and cohesion and discourage deviant and irresponsible behavior within the society. Kpashimo is usually celebrated as the climax of the Teshie homowo festivities. Fontomfrom, in addition to being the name of an Akan drum, is also the name given to an important Akan ceremonial dance. This paper examines the socio-cultural significance and relevance of the kpaashimo and fontomfrom dances and their utility in the Teshie and Adukrom social contexts, respectively. The study was done using the functionalist approach, utilizing dance as a medium to stimulate social control, cohesion, and unity in two geographically different cultures. Despite the disparate cultures, dance was used successfully to achieve the required goals and, in essence, validate the claims about the universality of dance in the Ghanaian context. It was a qualitative research employing essentially observation and interviews. Photos and videos were also used for efficient illustration and accurate recall.