Culture and Customs of Ghana

Subjects:

• Anthropology » Cultural Anthropology
• Multicultural Studies » African Studies

Reviews:

• [o]utsiders with fresh eyes have a long history of providing penetrating insights into the functioning of a highly cosmopolitan society. Falola and Salm are able to continue in this tradition....[i]ncludes a useful chronology of events that blends political and administrative milestones with those that are more cultural in nature.
  —International Journal of African Historical Studies 2002
• [F]or a nonacademic audience, this book is an exceptional introduction. Moreover, this book should be required reading for academics doing research in Ghana for the first time so that they can round out their inderstanding of the societies with which they are interacting.
  —African Studies Review September 2003
• Ghana's culture and customs have been influenced by a long history of Islamic and European contact. This book provides a narrative on cultural life and institutions in Ghana and looks at recent changes in the cultural landscape, for students and general readers.
  —Reference & Research Book News August 2002

• Endorsement From Emmanuel K. Akyeampong
  Harvard University: This book is a vivid portrayal of Ghanaian culture and customs. It is a masterful synthesis of massive information into a very accessible and highly readable text that will appeal to both academic and non-academic audiences. The accurate and highly pertinent review of history, religion, literaure and media, art and architecture, cuisine and dress, music and dance, marriage and family, social customs and lifestyle makes this book an important treasure even for Ghanaianists, who seldom find all this useful information within the covers of a single volume. The authors certainly have their fingers on the pulse of cultural and social life!
• Endorsement From Kwabena O. Akurang-Parry
  Shippensburg University: This is the best book on Ghana that takes stock of various aspects of the Ghanaian society and culture. One of the greatest strengths of this book is its detailed information based on examples from various sectors of the Ghanaian society. The book, very informative, readable, and erudite, takes cognizance of 'tradition,' transformations, and modernizing realms of Ghanaian norms and institutions. . . . Highly recommended for students of African studies and the general public.

Table of Contents:

• Series Foreword
• Preface
• Chronology
• Introduction
• Religion and Worldview
• Literature and Media
• Art and Architecture/Housing
• Cuisine and Traditional Dress
• Gender Roles, Marriage, and Familiy
• Social Customs and Lifestyle
• Music and Dance
• Glossary
• Bibliographic Essay
• Index