The Military Culture

The military culture embodies various institutions and skills devoted to the security of the traditional state, its people and values.

In the military culture, the dance-drumming repertoire, among other things, assumes the responsibility for the emotional and spiritual preparedness of the population for battle. For example, among the Anlo-Ewe people of southeastern Ghana, the repertoire of Atrikpui dance-drumming is replete with centuries of valued Anlo-Ewe war-fighting tactics and military codes of honor. Through the text, texture and choreography of Atrikpui, the military valor and skill (prowess) of ancestral heroes are invoked in exhorting their descendants to emulate.

Another ancestral Anlo-Ewe dance-drumming repertoire of the military culture is Atamga, "The Great Oath." Atamga derived its name from the highest oath of loyalty and patriotism among the Anlo-Ewe. Its text, choreography and texture drew directly from valued Anlo-Ewe war-fighting tactics, memorable military operations and the prowess of traditional heroes in dramatic and inspirational dance-drumming episodes.

Atamga's institutional responsibilities included, the military preparedness of warriors for battle and debriefing warriors for a smooth transition into normal life after battle.

During the last three centuries, the Anlo-Ewe traditional state evolved gradually into a peaceful coexistence with their neighbors and the institutional functions of Atamga also was modified. The name was changed to Agbeko which means "lives are safe" and was dedicated to the pursuit of peace through a spirited remembrance of the horrors of warfare.