This thesis was based on an ethnographic study of the Sisaala Bayira performance in context. The research was conducted in the Sisaala east, located at the north-eastern part of Ghana. The data was gathered through fieldwork on live Bayira performances during funerals at Walembelle and Tumu using participant observation and interviews as main research tools. The main objective of the study was an exploration of the role of the historical, cultural context and the aesthetic features embedded within Bayira performances and their contributions to African oral literature.
The theories which grounded the study were Tedlock’s and Schechner & Turner’s Performance Theories. Bayira performances were captured by audiovisual recordings, which were then translated from Sisaali into English using Peter Newmark’s Theoretical ideas on translation. They were coded and used for critical analysis. The results reveal that Bayira performances are embedded with aesthetic and symbolic representations, whereby Bayira performers use figurative language, histrionic gestures and other paralinguistic features as effective performance skills. The art of Bayira performance is tantamount to warfare whereby performers use pithy expressions to demonstrate panegyric skills, exhortation, admonition and trade in diatribes. The use of symbols ushers realism into the art of Bayira performance. Bayira performance has several pedagogical implications apart from moral lessons. Bayira songs teach communal and traditional values and comment on issues affecting the community and individuals in society. They teach people extended knowledge and wisdom by praising good behaviour and condemning unacceptable acts which are inimical to society.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1. Overview of the Study
1.2. Background to the Study
1.3. Statement of the Problem
1.4. The Purpose of the Study
1.5. Significance of the Study
1.6. Objectives of the Study
1.7. Research Questions
1.8. Limitations to the Study
1.9. Delimitation to the Study
1.10. Organization of the Study
1.11. Chapter Summary
2. Literature Review
2.1. Introduction
2.2. Definition of Technical Terms
2.2.1. Origin and Development of Bayira Performance
2.2.2. Appreciation of Bayira Performance by the Youth
2.3. The Background of the Sisaala people
2.4. Characteristics of African Oral Tradition
2.5. Major Features of Oral Tradition of the Sisaala people
2.6. The Concept of Death of the Sisaala People
2.7. Performance Culture in African Societies
2.8. Theoretical Framework
2.9. The Social Relevance of Bayira
2.10. The Stylistic Features of Bayira
2.11. Chapter summary
3. Methodology of the Study
3.1. Introduction
3.2. Research Design
3.3. Population of the Study
3.3.1. Sampling Techniques Adopted
3.3.2. Research Instruments and Data Collection Procedures
3.4. Analytical Procedures Adopted
3.5. Chapter Summary
4. Data Analysis
4.1 Introduction
4.2. The Role of the Historical and Cultural Context of the Sisaala Bayira
4.3. The Aesthetic Features Embedded in Bayira Songs
4.4. The exploration of symbolic meanings and representations in Bayira performances.
4.4.1. Recurrent themes foregrounded in the Ssaala Bayira performances.
4.4. Chapter Summary
5. Summary of Study and Recommendations
5.1. Introduction
5.2 Summary of the Entire Study
5.3 Evaluation of Research Findings
5.4. Final Conclusion
5.5. Recommendations
Objectives and Research Themes
This thesis aims to explore the Sisaala Bayira dance as a form of oral poetry, analyzing its historical and cultural context, aesthetic features, and the role of symbolic meanings in its performance to demonstrate its significance as a complex artistic and pedagogical tradition.
- Exploration of the historical and cultural context underpinning Sisaala Bayira performances.
- Analysis of aesthetic and stylistic features, including figurative language, metaphors, and repetition.
- Investigation of symbolic meanings and representations within funeral performance traditions.
- Evaluation of the pedagogical and social relevance of Bayira performances in contemporary Sisaala society.
Excerpt from the Book
4.2. The Role of the Historical and Cultural Context of the Sisaala Bayira
The Sisaala Bayira is a traditional dance form performed by the Sisaala people, in the Upper West Region of Ghana. It anchors their culture and is performed in various occasions such as funerals and festivals. Historically, Sisaali is very relevant in various ways with reference to cultural contexts of the Sisaala Bayira performance it is historically significant in various ways. For instance, it illuminates the origins way back ancient times of Bayira performance back. The dance is a cultural expression of the Sisaala people, reflecting their beliefs, social cohesion and artistic abilities. It serves as a medium to demonstrate their unique cultural identity and heritage. The work also delved into narratives associated with the dance, such as mythical or historical tales of the performance. As in Bayira song (B.S) no 6:
Source text: Kuoro aa naabarekiriyie; Translation: Chieftaincy is a tradition. Oye huu oye huuη; Translation: ‘Alas! Alas!’ Kuoro aa naabarekiriyie; Translation: Chieftaincy is a tradition. Oye huuη oye huuη; Translation: ‘Alas! Alas!’
The above Bayira song is underscored in relevance of the Sisaala heritage and reveals that the cultural heritage of the Sisaala people is not something traded cheaply in the market but is something bequeathed traditionally to the younger generation especially with regard to the chieftaincy issues. This holds a great social significance within the Sisaala community and fosters a sense of unity and solidarity among the community members. Through the dance, individuals express their collective identity and reinforce the bond ship and community relationship as the channel of chieftaincy is not commercialized but inherited.
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION: This chapter provides an overview of the study, situating the Sisaala Bayira dance within its cultural and ethnographic context while outlining the research objectives, significance, and limitations.
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW: This chapter examines relevant scholarship on oral traditions, the concept of death in Sisaala culture, performance theories (Tedlock, Schechner & Turner), and the stylistic elements of African oral literature.
CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDY: This chapter details the ethnographic design and qualitative methods used, including participant observation and interviews, to gather and analyze primary data from Sisaala communities.
CHAPTER FOUR: DATA ANALYSIS: This chapter presents the analysis of Bayira songs, focusing on historical context, aesthetic features, and symbolic representations, supported by theoretical frameworks and lyrical excerpts.
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY OF STUDY AND RECOMMENDATIONS: This chapter synthesizes the research findings, offers a final conclusion on the significance of Bayira as a cultural and pedagogical tool, and provides recommendations for future research.
Keywords
Sisaala Bayira, Performance, Oral Literature, Ethnography, Historical Context, Aesthetics, Symbolic Elements, Cultural Heritage, Funeral Rites, Figurative Language, Chieftancy, Rhetorical Devices, Social Cohesion, Sisaala, Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this study?
The study provides a textual interpretation and ethnographic exploration of the Sisaala Bayira dance in Ghana, focusing on its role as oral poetry.
What are the central thematic areas covered?
The research centers on the cultural heritage of the Sisaala people, funeral performance traditions, the use of figurative language, and the socio-historical significance of these performances.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to explore the historical, cultural, and aesthetic components of Sisaala Bayira performances to establish their contribution to African oral literature and community identity.
Which scientific methods were employed?
The researcher adopted an ethnographic design within a qualitative framework, utilizing participant observation, unstructured interviews, and the transcription and translation of oral texts.
What subjects are addressed in the main analysis?
The main body analyzes the historical context of Bayira, aesthetic features like repetition and metaphor, and the symbolic meanings embedded in song lyrics used during traditional funeral rites.
Which keywords characterize the work?
The core keywords include Sisaala Bayira, Performance, Ethnography, Historical Context, Aesthetics, Symbolic Elements, and Oral Literature.
How does the performance of Bayira signify social status?
According to the text, the dance acts as an expression of social hierarchy and individual prestige; rulers are expected to demonstrate authority through formal dances, and failure to meet these standards can damage their social standing.
How have shifting religious views affected youth participation?
While historically the youth avoided Bayira due to spiritual fears and religious barriers (Islam/Christianity), clear explanations of the rituals and the decoupling of the dance from pagan practices like consuming raw meat have sparked renewed interest.
What is the role of rhetorical questions in these songs?
Bayira performers use rhetorical questions not to elicit answers, but to capture the audience's attention, emphasize a point, or heighten the emotional sorrow surrounding death.
- Quote paper
- Abdulai Seidu (Author), 2023, Exploring the Sisaala Bayira Performance. Historical, Cultural, and Aesthetic Dimensions in African Oral Literature, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1496149
