When I was writing my first few sets of 25 questions during my strategy meetings this was the article that tipped my interest towards the changing views of African dance as a spiritually enhancing activity. This article discusses the place of Music, Instruments and Dance in African culture as well as the history of the Seventh Day Adventist Church and the place of these same objects in the bible. It then discusses the reasoning of why the SDA church rejects these aspects of African culture for fear of the possibility of diluting doctrine. I believe this article could be helpful for me in providing a specific example (though not from Ghana) of where the spiritual aspect of African dance is removed.
#2. Cox, James L. Reviewed work(s): African Dance: An Artistic, Historical and Philosophical Inquiry by Kariamu Welsh Asante Dance Research: The Journal of the Society for Dance Research Vol. 18, No. 1 (Summer, 2000), pp. 108-111
I found this article on a Ghana summer field study students blog, lucky me! This article is a review of a book about African dance in general and speaks of the contextualization of African dance as its added political, secular and entertainment intentions to its primary religious purposes. This article would be very helpful to let me know if the book its reviewing would be a good read. It discusses how African dance has changed and evolved which will be important for background information for my study of how it is presently viewed in the village of Wiamose.
#3. Kaepple, Adrienne L. "Dance in Anthropological Perspective". Annual Review of Anthropology 7 (1978): 31-49.
This article is older but provides good background information on the history of dance ethnography. I will be trying to receive credit for a dance history class so this information will be valuable. It also gives the methodologies and advise given by some of the first dance ethnologists that could help me brainstorm my methods in research. It introduced the term "choreology" as the science of movement patterns and described it as breaking down or identifying patterns to understand the underlying structure of a dance. In contemporary terms this is called Choreography, but it will probably be important for me to know that it has been referred to as choreology in the past.
#4: Spencer, Paul. Society and the Dance: The social anthropology of process and performance. Cambridge University Press (1985): 1-46.
This book provides several cases of anthropological studies of dance in Africa and other parts of the world. In the summary it mentioned its purpose is to encourage other anthropologist to seek to understand dance as a relevant and revealing tool to understanding underlying cultural context. I think it would be helpful in providing me with more ideas for methodology and helping me see the potential for such dance studies in academia.
#5:Hanna, Judith. "African Dance: The Continuity of Change," Yearbook of the International Folk Music Council. 1973. Vol. 5, pp. 165-174.
This article gives a brief defining discussion on African dance and follows with a discussion on the forces that have affected Africa's changes in dance. It discusses the significance of African dance to teach cultural patterns, ease tension, provide goods from supernatural sources, and integration of society. It concludes discussing the significance of African dance in the new contemporary context. This article is helpful because it has a large work cited page with promising articles to read and it gives a good thorough description on the purpose of African dance in African society. I need to find more information about Ghana specifically though now.
#6: Friedler, Sharon. "Dance Research in Ghana," Dance Research Journal. 1997, Vol. 29, No. 2 , pp. 126-128.
#3. Kaepple, Adrienne L. "Dance in Anthropological Perspective". Annual Review of Anthropology 7 (1978): 31-49.
This article is older but provides good background information on the history of dance ethnography. I will be trying to receive credit for a dance history class so this information will be valuable. It also gives the methodologies and advise given by some of the first dance ethnologists that could help me brainstorm my methods in research. It introduced the term "choreology" as the science of movement patterns and described it as breaking down or identifying patterns to understand the underlying structure of a dance. In contemporary terms this is called Choreography, but it will probably be important for me to know that it has been referred to as choreology in the past.
#4: Spencer, Paul. Society and the Dance: The social anthropology of process and performance. Cambridge University Press (1985): 1-46.
This book provides several cases of anthropological studies of dance in Africa and other parts of the world. In the summary it mentioned its purpose is to encourage other anthropologist to seek to understand dance as a relevant and revealing tool to understanding underlying cultural context. I think it would be helpful in providing me with more ideas for methodology and helping me see the potential for such dance studies in academia.
#5:Hanna, Judith. "African Dance: The Continuity of Change," Yearbook of the International Folk Music Council. 1973. Vol. 5, pp. 165-174.
This article gives a brief defining discussion on African dance and follows with a discussion on the forces that have affected Africa's changes in dance. It discusses the significance of African dance to teach cultural patterns, ease tension, provide goods from supernatural sources, and integration of society. It concludes discussing the significance of African dance in the new contemporary context. This article is helpful because it has a large work cited page with promising articles to read and it gives a good thorough description on the purpose of African dance in African society. I need to find more information about Ghana specifically though now.
#6: Friedler, Sharon. "Dance Research in Ghana," Dance Research Journal. 1997, Vol. 29, No. 2 , pp. 126-128.
This article discusses the authors observations on the state of Dance Research in Ghana. From what I read it dicusses alot of information about contemporary performance and performance companies in Ghana. This information will apply to my experience because I want to understand more about the performance aspect of dance as well as the spiritual. It is also a more recent articles with a discussion on the type of research that is out there on the topic of dance in Ghana, hopefully this information can lead me to more information specifically about Ghanaian dance.
#7. Tierou, Alphonse. Doople: the eternal law of African dance. Chur, Switzerland ; Philadelphia, Pa. : Harwood Academic Publishers.1992.
This book describes in real interesting terms African dance. There is a section of particular interest to me in the middle of the book titled "Awareness and Spirituality" that focuses on spirituality. I think this will be a useful section to give me a good idea on some of what is being said and known about the spiritual aspects of African dance which is what I will want to focus on.
#8. Bank, William. "Spirit-Possession Rituals in Southern Ghana: Priests, Musicians, and Ritual Efficacy." Western Journal of Black Studies. Vol. 35, No. 1, 2010.
This articles discusses the purpose of music and the priests in rituals where communicating with the supernatural is needed for the village. The author aims to show two spirit possesion dances in southern Ghana and argues that the religious efficacy lies with the drummers or music makers more than the priests though it is seen by villagers as their duty. This article will help me create a better framework to think about the spiritual aspects of African dance. I hadn't considered the religious implications in the drumming. This may help me in my research phrases to include drumming.
#7. Tierou, Alphonse. Doople: the eternal law of African dance. Chur, Switzerland ; Philadelphia, Pa. : Harwood Academic Publishers.1992.
This book describes in real interesting terms African dance. There is a section of particular interest to me in the middle of the book titled "Awareness and Spirituality" that focuses on spirituality. I think this will be a useful section to give me a good idea on some of what is being said and known about the spiritual aspects of African dance which is what I will want to focus on.
#8. Bank, William. "Spirit-Possession Rituals in Southern Ghana: Priests, Musicians, and Ritual Efficacy." Western Journal of Black Studies. Vol. 35, No. 1, 2010.
This articles discusses the purpose of music and the priests in rituals where communicating with the supernatural is needed for the village. The author aims to show two spirit possesion dances in southern Ghana and argues that the religious efficacy lies with the drummers or music makers more than the priests though it is seen by villagers as their duty. This article will help me create a better framework to think about the spiritual aspects of African dance. I hadn't considered the religious implications in the drumming. This may help me in my research phrases to include drumming.
#9. Pyne, Simon. "y Implications for the use of indigenous arts in the therapeutic practices of traditional priests and priestesses of Asante Ghana.." College of Arts and Social Sciences (2011): n. pg. Web. 17 May 2011. <http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/2118>.
This article talks about different therapies used by the priests and priestesses in the Asante region. It discusses basic ideas on personalistic and naturalistic treatment for illnesses. It discusses how the arts are defined and used as therapy. Though this article focuses on healing and illness it also focuses on art and the “magico-religious” aspects of the arts in healing. Healing can be a very spiritual process, and maybe dance can be spiritually healing.
#10. Penniman, Naima. "Rhythm and Movement in Ghana: Healing through Dance through Generations." (2002): n. pag. Web. 17 May 2011. <http://digitalcollections.sit.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1070&context=african_diaspora_isp&sei-redir=1#search=%22spiritual+dance+drumming+ghana%22>.
This article discusses the way dance helps heal social trauma. It describes two urban communities and how they use dance and drumming as an experience of positive cultural expression that can be healing for youth in the community. This article can help me think about the populations and methodologies I might want to use. It speaks more of the spiritual connections with dance that I’ve been looking for.
#11. Collins, John. "Gospel-Highlife: Ghana's New Response to Urban Anxiety." Uraban Anxiety and its Sonic Response. Glendora Review, Nigeria (2004): n. Vol 3, No, 2 & 4, pp 23-8.
This article talks about the growing popularity of dance-music in Christian churches. It discusses the reasons for secular and spiritual music to mix and be involved in gospel worship. I am interested in reading this article because it mentions Catharsis, a word that I have seen used in the description of African dance quite a few times that I need to explore. It also considers the intentions to worship through dance to be something that pioneered gospel high life. The ideas in this article could be useful.
#12. Collins, John. "The Importance of African Popular Music Studies for Ghanaian/African Students." n. pag. Web. 20 May 2011. <http://www.codesria.org/IMG/pdf/Collins.pdf>.
This article talks about how political leaders have promoted a tri-musical approach to music and dance focusing on traditional, popular and western styles. It then discusses how this vision has only manifested support for traditional and western styles and why popular studies should be added back into the mix. I feel this article could give me a good background on the distinction between these three art genres. I hope it can help me recognize what type of dance or music I’m observing in the field.
#13. Hanna, Judith. “African dance: some implications for dance therapy” American journal of dance therapy [0146-3721] (1978): vol 2 iss 1 pg 3 -15.
Judith Hanna has written extensive on ethnographic studies in dance, specifically African dance. Her articles are generally broad and not specific to Ghana but they help me understand some other aspects about the dancing. This article brings up the idea of dance as therapy. It makes me wonder if spirituality and therapy are closely related?
#14. David C. Mohr, et al. "Effects of Hatha Yoga and African Dance on Perceived Stress, Affect, and Salivary Cortisol." Annals of Behavioral Medicine 28.2 (2004): 114-118. Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection. EBSCO. Web. 23 May 2011.
The aim of this study was to examine some of the psychological and neuroendocrine responses to Yoga and African Dance. The article describes a study done on 69 college students where their stress levels were tested before and after yoga, African dance, and a biology class. Results found that Yoga and African dance reduce stress and the negative affects but they cortisol levels only rose in African dance. I wonder about the implications of this study. If cortisol levels are being effected by African dance then is it good therapy? What is it about the African dance that releases stress, how does catharsis come about? Or is it really a stressful form of expression?
#15. Spirituality, Gender, and Power in Asante History
#13. Hanna, Judith. “African dance: some implications for dance therapy” American journal of dance therapy [0146-3721] (1978): vol 2 iss 1 pg 3 -15.
Judith Hanna has written extensive on ethnographic studies in dance, specifically African dance. Her articles are generally broad and not specific to Ghana but they help me understand some other aspects about the dancing. This article brings up the idea of dance as therapy. It makes me wonder if spirituality and therapy are closely related?
#14. David C. Mohr, et al. "Effects of Hatha Yoga and African Dance on Perceived Stress, Affect, and Salivary Cortisol." Annals of Behavioral Medicine 28.2 (2004): 114-118. Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection. EBSCO. Web. 23 May 2011.
The aim of this study was to examine some of the psychological and neuroendocrine responses to Yoga and African Dance. The article describes a study done on 69 college students where their stress levels were tested before and after yoga, African dance, and a biology class. Results found that Yoga and African dance reduce stress and the negative affects but they cortisol levels only rose in African dance. I wonder about the implications of this study. If cortisol levels are being effected by African dance then is it good therapy? What is it about the African dance that releases stress, how does catharsis come about? Or is it really a stressful form of expression?
#15. Spirituality, Gender, and Power in Asante History
The International Journal of African Historical Studies
Vol. 28, No. 3 (1995), pp. 481-508
Vol. 28, No. 3 (1995), pp. 481-508
Published by: Boston University African Studies Center
Article Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/221171
This is the first article that I have found on the spiritual aspects of the Asante. Maybe I just don't recognize the articles that reference spiritual aspects of their culture. I may be limiting my vision to just dance. This article did not have an abstract but I believe it will be beneficial in learning the history and spiritual context before going.
#16. Advances in the Conceptualization and Measurement of Religion and Spirituality
Psychology of religion and spirituality [1941-1022] Hill yr:2008 vol:S iss:1 pg:3 -17
Psychology of religion and spirituality [1941-1022] Hill yr:2008 vol:S iss:1 pg:3 -17
This article describes the challenges in the past with measuring and conceptualizing religion and spirituality, specifically in relation to health. I feel this article will help me brainstorm and sort out some of my worries about studying spirituality because I do not understand how it is scientifically measured often.
#17. Bryant, Kathryn D., "Dance and Drum Education in Afiadenyigba, Ghana" (1999). African Diaspora ISPs. Paper 43.http://digitalcollections.sit.edu/african_diaspora_isp/43
This article was written by a field study student doing research on and participating in dance and drumming in Afiadenyigba. This article gave a full account of the methods and practices used to collect data. It gave a clear representation of her day to day experience and what she learned. I believe this study is how I would like to model my own study. I am struggling to bring my proposal together and so this vision helped to read.
#18. J. H. Nketia, "The Role of the Drummer in Akan Society" African Music Vol. 1, No. 1 (1954), pp. 34-43 International Library of African Music http://www.jstor.org/stable/30249399
This article discusses the role a drummer can play in Ghanaian society. Andrew relayed to me that drumming is very connected to African dancing and so thus may have some spiritual aspects and would be worth researching. I am planning on getting a course contract for some drumming instruction so this will be a very helpful article I feel.
#17. Bryant, Kathryn D., "Dance and Drum Education in Afiadenyigba, Ghana" (1999). African Diaspora ISPs. Paper 43.http://digitalcollections.sit.edu/african_diaspora_isp/43
This article was written by a field study student doing research on and participating in dance and drumming in Afiadenyigba. This article gave a full account of the methods and practices used to collect data. It gave a clear representation of her day to day experience and what she learned. I believe this study is how I would like to model my own study. I am struggling to bring my proposal together and so this vision helped to read.
#18. J. H. Nketia, "The Role of the Drummer in Akan Society" African Music Vol. 1, No. 1 (1954), pp. 34-43 International Library of African Music http://www.jstor.org/stable/30249399
This article discusses the role a drummer can play in Ghanaian society. Andrew relayed to me that drumming is very connected to African dancing and so thus may have some spiritual aspects and would be worth researching. I am planning on getting a course contract for some drumming instruction so this will be a very helpful article I feel.
#19. Sklar, Deidre. “On Dance Ethnography” Dance Research Journal (1991), Vol. 23, No.1 pp. 6-10.
This article defines and acknowledges methods used in the dance ethnological field of study. IT was useful for me in my literature review in helping define and contextualize the importance of dance Ethnography.
#20. Schramm, Katharina, “The Politics of Dance: Changing Representations of the Nation” Africa Spectrum (2000), Vol. 35, No. 3, pp. 339-358
This article explains how dance is used in Ghana as a tool for political involvement and political change. It was helpful for my literature review in describing how dance can is significant in the creation of identity and community unity.
21. Jones, A.M “Drumming in Akan Communities of Ghana.” The Journal of African History (1964). Vol. 5, p. 334-335.
This article describes the purpose and significance of drumming in a different region of Ghana. I am trying to read more about drumming before I meet with a music professor who specializes in Ghanaian drumming so I thought this article would be helpful.
22. Hanna, Judith. “Field Research in African Dance: Opportunities and Utilities.” Ethnomusicology, Vol. 12, No. 1 (Jan., 1968), pp. 101-106.
I like Judith Hanna’s writings. They are very comprehensible and always advocating the play of dance ethnology in the field of anthropology. I feel this article will help me see limitations that may arise while trying to do field research on dance. Maybe it has some aspects that need to be included in my literature review.
23. Bonsu, Samuel K., and Russell W. Belk. "Do Not Go Cheaply into That Good Night: Death-Ritual Consumption in Asante, Ghana." Journal of Consumer Research 30.1 (2003): 41-55. Communication & Mass Media Complete. EBSCO. Web. 6 June 2011.
This article is exploring the identity construction project that is assumed to end at death. Describing and analyzing a funeral in Asante culture they show how in Ghana a funeral is a reciprocity between the living and the dead. This article could be very helpful for me to understand more of the religious side of a particular event, a funeral. Something I hope to be invited to.
24. Stoeltje, Beverly J. "Asante Traditions and Female Self-Assertion: Sister Abena's Narrative." Research in African Literatures 40.1 (2009): 27-41. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 6 June 2011.
This article describes a narrative by one woman in Kumasi. It talks about the effect of narratives on society. The narrative is about a curse the woman's boyfriend put on her and how she tried to counter it. I think it will be a very interesting read and a great way to help me understand how narrative and personal perspective could affect my study.
25. Adams, Linda Kinsey. The Emergence of Folklore in Everyday Life. Trickster Press, 2008. 23-31. Print.
This is an article Prof. Thursby printed off for me. It talks about what folklore narratives are. It explains different types of oral prose and how to collect the information. I feel this will be particularly helpful and hope to take her course. I feel the activities and interviewing involved in folklore will be pertinent to my study and she can help me while in the field understand what is working and what I can do better.
26. Goldstein, Kenneth S. A Guide for Field Workers in Folklore. Hatboro, Pa.: Hatboro, Pa. : Published for the American Folklore Society by Folklore Associates, 1964.
This was a book that professor Thursby showed me. She said it would be very helpful to have a copy to guide my collection strategies when working on my collection of items. It details tips for interviewing, coding notes and the different genres of oral folklore.
27. Ali, Mohammed, 1971-. The Prophet of Zongo Street : Stories. New York: New York : Amistad, 2005.
This is a collection of short stories about individuals who are from or are still living in modern day Kumasi in Ghana. This is a major city near Wiamoase and is in the Ashanti region as well. It had a number of stories on the religious perceptions of some of the Muslim population. I feel this book helps me better understand some of the values and daily experiences of Ghanaians. This understanding will help me better prepare for my trip.
28. Locke, David. "Improvisation in West African Musics." Music Educators Journal 66.5: 125-33.
This article describes some of the poly-rhythmic principles of West African Music. It discusses how for african musicians, the ability to improvise, and creativity, are gifts from god. This may be interesting to help me better understand how integral the music is to African dancing and may be relevant to my study on spiritual aspects of dance, maybe the drumming is one of them.
23. Bonsu, Samuel K., and Russell W. Belk. "Do Not Go Cheaply into That Good Night: Death-Ritual Consumption in Asante, Ghana." Journal of Consumer Research 30.1 (2003): 41-55. Communication & Mass Media Complete. EBSCO. Web. 6 June 2011.
This article is exploring the identity construction project that is assumed to end at death. Describing and analyzing a funeral in Asante culture they show how in Ghana a funeral is a reciprocity between the living and the dead. This article could be very helpful for me to understand more of the religious side of a particular event, a funeral. Something I hope to be invited to.
24. Stoeltje, Beverly J. "Asante Traditions and Female Self-Assertion: Sister Abena's Narrative." Research in African Literatures 40.1 (2009): 27-41. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 6 June 2011.
This article describes a narrative by one woman in Kumasi. It talks about the effect of narratives on society. The narrative is about a curse the woman's boyfriend put on her and how she tried to counter it. I think it will be a very interesting read and a great way to help me understand how narrative and personal perspective could affect my study.
25. Adams, Linda Kinsey. The Emergence of Folklore in Everyday Life. Trickster Press, 2008. 23-31. Print.
This is an article Prof. Thursby printed off for me. It talks about what folklore narratives are. It explains different types of oral prose and how to collect the information. I feel this will be particularly helpful and hope to take her course. I feel the activities and interviewing involved in folklore will be pertinent to my study and she can help me while in the field understand what is working and what I can do better.
26. Goldstein, Kenneth S. A Guide for Field Workers in Folklore. Hatboro, Pa.: Hatboro, Pa. : Published for the American Folklore Society by Folklore Associates, 1964.
This was a book that professor Thursby showed me. She said it would be very helpful to have a copy to guide my collection strategies when working on my collection of items. It details tips for interviewing, coding notes and the different genres of oral folklore.
27. Ali, Mohammed, 1971-. The Prophet of Zongo Street : Stories. New York: New York : Amistad, 2005.
This is a collection of short stories about individuals who are from or are still living in modern day Kumasi in Ghana. This is a major city near Wiamoase and is in the Ashanti region as well. It had a number of stories on the religious perceptions of some of the Muslim population. I feel this book helps me better understand some of the values and daily experiences of Ghanaians. This understanding will help me better prepare for my trip.
28. Locke, David. "Improvisation in West African Musics." Music Educators Journal 66.5: 125-33.
This article describes some of the poly-rhythmic principles of West African Music. It discusses how for african musicians, the ability to improvise, and creativity, are gifts from god. This may be interesting to help me better understand how integral the music is to African dancing and may be relevant to my study on spiritual aspects of dance, maybe the drumming is one of them.
