. Discuss the manifest roles of African Traditional Festivals and Funerals; stating at least two examples each (10 marks).

African Traditional Festivals and Funerals play significant roles in the society. They are not just events but are seen as a means of upholding the culture, traditions, and beliefs of the people.

1. Manifest Roles of African Traditional Festivals:

   a. Cultural Preservation: Festivals are a way of preserving the rich cultural heritage of the African people. They serve as a platform for showcasing traditional dances, music, arts, and crafts. For example, the Chale Wote Street Art Festival in Ghana is an annual event that brings together artists from all over the country to display their works and promote Ghanaian culture.

   b. Social Integration: Festivals promote unity and social cohesion. They bring together people from different social, economic, and political backgrounds to celebrate a common heritage. The Zulu Reed Dance in South Africa, for instance, is a festival that brings together young women from different Zulu communities for a dance performance. This festival not only promotes cultural unity but also serves as a platform for educating the young women about their roles in society.

2. Manifest Roles of African Traditional Funerals:

   a. Mourning and Closure: Funerals provide a platform for the community to mourn the deceased and find closure. They are seen as a final farewell to the departed. In the Ashanti tribe in Ghana, for instance, funerals are elaborate events that involve the entire community. They are seen as a way of honoring the dead and providing closure for the bereaved family.

   b. Ancestral Worship: In many African societies, funerals are seen as a transition of the deceased from the physical world to the spiritual world. They are therefore used as a platform for ancestral worship. The Dogon people of Mali, for example, believe that the spirits of the deceased ancestors live in the spiritual world and can influence the living. Therefore, during funerals, they perform rituals to honor the deceased and appease the ancestors.

In conclusion, African Traditional Festivals and Funerals play significant roles in cultural preservation, social integration, mourning, and ancestral worship. They are a reflection of the rich cultural heritage of the African people.