Artistic Values of Kusakͻkͻ or “Cloth Giving” Initiation Rites of Avatime in the Volta Region

Abstract

The woman is an important figure in the development of Avatime community. People of Avatime recognize and value the role of women in society and therefore mark the transition of a female from girlhood to womanhood by giving them cloth. The problem is that many artistic values are embedded in the celebration of this transition called kusakͻkͻ initiation rites, yet they have not been described, discussed or documented, therefore they could be misplaced. Moreover, appreciable amounts of vital information embodied in kusakͻkͻ initiation rites are not being taught in the schools of Avatime. Sadly, the rich cultural heritage embodied in the artistic values which should be preserved have not been documented to put the area in the spotlight of the world. This research adopted a qualitative approach, specifically ethnography, to collect data through observation and interviews. The main findings are that, the Avatimes mark the passage of their girls into womanhood by performing series of rituals known as kusakͻkͻ. Numerous artistic values are evident in the rituals. Artistic values are demonstrated in the use of ritualized visual and performing arts including Textiles (costume, ritual cloths, kente, loincloth,), Pottery (ritual pots, ritual bowls, the heaves), Sculpture (ritual stools, special wooden paddles, wooden ladles, wooden trays, drums), Jewellery (beads, ear rings), Basketry (baskets, specially made ritual straw brooms), Calabash art (ritual calashes, calabashes for measurement), Leatherwork (special sandals oheneba, hand bags, belts, etc.), Body art (hairstyle, body painting, hair gear), Photogenic artery, Metal Art, Music (melody), Dance (boogie), Verbal art (poetry recitals, appellation), Drama (excitement)The performing arts serve as symbols of identity and means of communication. Recommendations were that there should be collaboration between the pastors and the custodians of Avatime traditional area to erase the notion that there are sacrilegious beliefs and superstitions embedded in kusakͻkͻ rites. It is also recommended that more group ritual activities be encouraged and done once a year for school going girls and workers to participate during school holidays and weekend respectively. Control measures should be instituted to curb promiscuity in the area.  Finally, it is highly recommended that this document should be incorporated in the Art Education Curriculum to put the values of kusakͻkͻ in the spotlight of the world.

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Keywords: Artistic values, womanhood, transition, cultural heritage, initiation rites.