Dr. Nanbigne and Ms. Darku: Libation: A Logocentric Performance?

To submit feedback on this presentation, kindly use 0:59 seconds to download, fill out this PDF form and send to obkambon@ug.edu.gh: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B44QKx1FlxgIQ3pENHJtSk9yOXc/view?usp=sharing Dr. Edward Nanbigne Ms Esther Naa Dodua Darku 30 October 2014 Libation, derived from the Latin word ‘Libare’ means to take a portion or to taste. It is a ceremonial act that was commonly practiced in ancient Greece and Africa. It was done in honour of the dead and of the gods (Sarpong 1996). Libation is therefore the pouring of drink and the recitation of prayers to God and other deities (Brempong, 2000). The act has been recorded in many cultures around the world including Africa and it is a part of religious expression. In Ghana, libation forms part of a significant aspect of cultural and traditional religious life and until recently, was adopted as part of the national prayer ritual performed at national events. This paper examines libation as a performance that tells a historical, present and future tale people who use it by examining its setting, the symbolic behaviour and its text. It will also examine libation as a performance that goes beyond verbalization. Disclaimer: The views expressed herein are solely those of the presenter in a personal academic capacity and do not necessarily represent the views of the Institute of African Studies.