|
Tribe Snapshots Anyi |
| Location: |
Southeastern Côte d'Ivoire |
| Population: |
100,000 |
| Language: |
Anyi (Akan cluster of Twi) |
| Neighboring
Peoples: |
Asante, Brong, Baule, Guro, Yaure |
| Types
of Art: |
The most important art forms among the Anyi
are funerary images and monuments. A family can
demonstrate its affluence through grave monuments
to the ancestors. Among the Anyi, artistic expression
is focused on creating these types of memorials,
for it is believed that the more beautiful the
monument is, the greater is the respect for the
deceased. |
| History: |
The rise of the early Akan centralized states
began in the 13th century and may be related to
the opening of trade routes established to move
gold throughout the region. The Anyi people are
a subgroup of the Akan who migrated to their current
location from what is present day Ghana between
the 16th and 18th centuries. They were never as
powerful as the Asante and Baule and as a result
were indirectly under their rule during the height
of both empires. |
| Economy: |
Anyi agricultural economy revolves around banana
and taro production. Yams are also an important
staple crop in the region. Many locally grown
crops were introduced from the Americas during
the Atlantic slave trade. These include maize,
manioc, peppers, peanuts, tomatoes, squash, and
sweet potatoes. They also raise farm animals including
sheep, goats, chickens, and dogs. Markets which
are primarily run by women take place every four
days and are the center of the local economy.
Local produce and craft items are sold alongside
imported goods from all over the world. Palm oil
is also sold as a commodity on the international
market. |
| Political
Systems: |
The Anyi live in loose neighborhoods of family
housing complexes which are generally spread apart.
There is usually a local headman, who is directed
by a council of elders and who represents his
constituency in regional politics. Like other
Akan peoples, the Anyi have a highly stratified
society that includes a hierarchical political
administration with titled officials who proudly
display their rank and power. The Anyi are a matrilineal
people, and women have relatively high social
status exhibited in both the political and economic
arenas. |
| Religion: |
Living one's life so that one will be remembered
and respected as an ancestor is one of the primary
motivations for the Anyi. Their religious system
is based upon the continued honoring of one's
departed ancestors. When a person passes away
an elaborate ceremony follows, involving ritual
washing, dressing the deceased in fine garments
and gold jewelry to be laid in state for up to
three days, and a mourning period that allows
the family and community to show their respect
for the departed in order to guarantee a welcome
into the spirit world. |
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