A Religio-Cultural Inquiry into the Spiritual Journey of a Fiasidi through Initiation Rites at the Trokosi Shrines in Klikor, Ghana

Abstract

Initiation rites play a pivotal role in shaping cultural identity, reinforcing societal norms, and facilitating the transmission of cultural values from one generation to the next. Using a qualitative approach which was supported by interpretive philosophy, the study explored the initiation rites of a Fiasidi which involves a series of rituals, ceremonies, and teachings that are designed to prepare young girls or women for their ritual responsibilities in serving Torgbui Adzima shrines in Klikor, Ghana. A case study was used in the research. Observations, document analysis, semi-structured interviews, and audiovisual materials were used to gather data. The opinions and experiences of fifteen (15) participants, including high priests, priestesses, ritual functionaries, petitioners, and Fiasidiwo (initiates), were sampled using the purposive sampling approach. Thematic analysis was used to do an inductive study of the data. The study revealed that three main rituals feature in the initiation rites of a Fiasidi in Klikor. These are Godedegome (puberty rite), Gatete (Fiasidi’s homecoming), and Flaxoxo (purification rite). The study concluded that the Troxovi shrines are effective in ensuring social order and discipline and promoting African indigenous knowledge and spirituality among the Anlo-Ewe communities. It recommended that other ritual performances such as performing libation, wailing wall prayers, and traditional dance forms be explored by other researchers. The study has contributed to providing insights into cultural diversity, and spiritual identity and illuminating the significance of ritual practices in various fields including social anthropology, African aesthetics, and African traditional religion. Keywords: Initiation Rites, Fiasidi Tradition, Troxovi Shrines, Klikor, Deities