Question 4
- What are ancestral figures?
- Highlight four characteristics of West African ancestral figures.
- Explain with examples, the significance of ancestral figures in traditional West African societies.
Observation
The question was attempted by most of the candidates. The candidates performed very well in this question and equally scored good marks. They were expected to respond to the question in the following manner:
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- They are sculptures created to house the spirits of the ancestors.
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No regard for natural proportion.
- Frontal pose.
- Enlarged heads.
- Lack of movement.
- Usually made in wood.
- Exaggerated genitals.
- They are symmetrical.
- They are cylindrical.
- Some are decorated with beads.
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- They serve as a link between the living and the supreme being (God).
- They are used to invoke the spirit of the ancestors to avert misfortunes such as famine, epidemic, barrenness and defeat (in war).
- They are used to show reverence for the ancestors e.g. Baule, Dogon, Senufo and Kissi.