TY - JOUR
TI - Possession (akom) as sign of calling and method of services of traditional Ashanti priests
AU - Wita, Grzegorz
TI - Possession (akom) as sign of calling and method of services of traditional Ashanti priests
AB - 
	The Ashanti people of Ghana call the phenomenon of spiritual possession akom. This fulfils the role of sign of calling and authentication of the function of specialist in rituals. The possession of a person by the spirit of his/her ancestor or a deity is at the foundations of his/her fulfilment of the cultic mission of medium, bringing others closer to the will of supernatural beings. It is therefore perceived as a positive and expected phenomenon. It must be correctly recognised and exploited, however. Akom makes divinative and healing practices possible. Possession is perceived by the Ashantis as individual as well as collective, prophylactic and therapeutic cultic activity. It becomes an occasion for integration of the community and renewal of the social order through unification, song and dance. The ecstasy of the traditional priest, which most often takes place during rituals, reflects and fulfils the dependence, connection and communication of the person with supernatural beings.
VL - 2011
IS - Volume 44
PY - 2011
SN - 0137-2432
C1 - 2084-4077
SP - 71
EP - 84
DO - 10.4467/20844077SR.11.005.0249
UR - https://ejournals.eu/en/journal/studia-religiologica/article/owladniecie-akom-znakiem-powolania-i-narzedziem-poslugi-aszanckich-kaplanow-tradycyjnych
KW - African traditional religion
KW - Ashanti
KW - Ghana
KW - spirit possession
KW - mediumship
KW - indigenous clergy
KW - sacred rites
KW - supernatural beings
KW - vocation
KW - trance