Lesson plan
Gambei
Gambei ("the broken wall") is a Dagbamba funeral practice of punching a hole in the zoŋ of a yidana creating a second way in and out of their home. For the family of the deceased, it represents disobedience and a sense of freedom, especially for the children who no longer feel responsible for the reprimands of the family head as a result of their absence. During funeral rituals where Kambon-waa is to be performed in the compound of the yidana, the musicians are only allowed to enter and exit the house in a single file through the gambei playing chakowili. While still outside, or after they have regathered in a circle inside the compound do they resume playing other rhythms.
Article summary
Gambei ("the broken wall") is a Dagbamba funeral practice of punching a hole in the zoŋ of a yidana creating a second way in and out of their home. For the family of the deceased, it represents disobedience and a sense of freedom, especially for the children who no longer feel responsible for the reprimands of the family head as a result of their absence. During funeral rituals where Kambon-waa is to be performed in the compound of the yidana, the musicians are only allowed to enter and exit the house in a single file through the gambei playing chakowili. While still outside, or after they have regathered in a circle inside the compound do they resume playing other rhythms.
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Discussion questions
- Summarise the article in your own words. Which single claim would you verify first, and why?
- Which claim in this article is most likely to be revised as the sources update? How would you check its current status?
- If two sources disagreed about one of these facts, what would you need in order to trust one over the other?
Bibliography
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Key claims and bibliography are generated from the same tracked claims and sources as the article page.