Mythography and Rituals: The Legend of Aku Sika in Focus

Abstract

In African tradition and culture, myths and rituals are two inseparably pieces of social life. These two phenomena have been aspects or part of the society from generation to generation through oral literature as well as being practiced or performed at ceremonies. African literature, especially plays, feature these traditions to reflect the social life of the people. Based on Martin Owusu’s The Legend of Aku Sika, this study explores the employment of myths and rituals as aspects of human existence and human society albeit through the lens of ritual theory. The study is purposed to explore, myth, and ritual events exhibited by characters in the play. The evidences of myths and rituals in the play are identified and analysed with content analysis as an approach. The play exhibits the rich use of mythology in alignment with rituals right from its commencement to the end. Based on the discussions, it emerged that, there is serious interplay between mythology and rituals and they both have been able to create a unique phenomenon that has established a tradition that distinguishes the culture of the African people from other cultures. The beauty of the African tradition and culture, that of the Akan (Ghana) in particular, is seen to be espoused in the play. The Legend of Aku Sika as identified by the study. It is summarily concluded that oral literature and culture that has provided a conducive environment within which myths and rituals have festered are core elements in the play The Legend of Aku Sika, proving that myths and rituals are integral part of the human existence especially the African.