By: Ewoenam Kpodo | Voltaonlinegh.com |
The chiefs and people of Agotime in the the Volta Region have converged at Afegame, (where they first arrived) to reenact the migration of their forebears from their ancestral home in Ile Ife, Republic of Nigeria to their present location in Agotime-Ziope District.
The ceremony known as crossing of River Tordzi formed part of activities to herald the grand durbar of the 2018 Agbamevorza, also known as Kente (Kete in Ewe) Festival themed, “Attitudinal Change: the Panacea for our Future Development”.
The reenactment saw a family who sailed on the river using a canoe with paddles and arrived at the banks of the river at dawn in silence. After coming out from the canoe with their belongings tied in cloths, the head of the family poured libation to offer special prayers for their safe arrival.
Chairman of Thursday’s ceremony, Nene Akoto Sah VII underscored the need for documenting their history for the younger and unborn generations. He also called for unity among the chiefs and people of Agotime for development.
The day later saw another colorful event of women drawing water from the river at Kpetoe into the traditional pot at the forecourt of the paramonut chief to welcome visitors.
This observance dubbed “Asialetorme” had women going to the riverside to fetch water and returning in a single file with rounded palm leaves between their heads and the small pots, clad in different kente fabrics amid singing.
One major activity, kente weaving competition will hold on Friday at Kpetoe to see the weaver who will come out first with quality work. The weaving competition will be preceded by musketry ritual at Wodome in the morning and followed by other interesting and entertaining ones in the day.
The Agbamevorza had been instituted over two decades to help project and market Agotime as the cradle of kete. The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa AKuffo-Addo is expected to grace the grand durbar on Saturday, October 20.
Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com
