Observations placeholder
Doris Green - The Takai of Ghana
Identifier
011359
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
When the Takai is performed for western consumption it is organised as entertainment, but the true Takai dance performed well away from western eyes, is one of spiritual experience.
A description of the experience
Doris Green – Traditional Dance in Africa
From African Dance – edited by Kariamu Weish Asante
In the dance ‘Takai’ of Ghana, the dancers carry an iron rod, wear leather boots and a betekele ensemble – flowing robe and trousers with the elongated seat. As the dancer pivots, the robe and pants flow, creating a design in space similar to an umbrella that is opened and then twirled. The dance is percussively pulsated by the stamping of the feet and the striking together of iron rods. Without the attire and iron rods, the dance would lose its flowing dynamic quality and percussive intonations…. The Takai dance is a group dance performed in circles and not a dance of individual competition
The source of the experience
African tribalConcepts, symbols and science items
Concepts
ConeScience Items
Activities and commonsteps
Activities
Overloads
Frenetic exerciseSuppressions
Listening to beating soundsSwirling, whirling, spinning and twirling