I found an interesting article online that talks about the difference between the Adowa and Kete dance. Perhaps those of you who know more can add to the conversation:
1. KeteAccording to history, the Kete dance, although a dance from the Ashantis was actually copied from the people of Kete-Krachi. It used to be a dance for the Kete-Krachi hunters and when the Ashantis conquered them during a war, they took over the dance, this is evident of the symbolic cloth used to cover the Kete drums known as "sum ne mogya" meaning, "Darkness and Blood".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUXnU_X9JRU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUXnU_X9JRU)
2. AdowaThe story behind the dance states that there was once a queen mother in Ashanti called Abrewa Tutuwa. She suddenly fell ill in the cause of her reign. The Obosom (gods) was consulted and they requested for a live antelope to be used for sacrificial rites. It was alleged that the Asafo companies were promptly detailed to the forest to look for the animal. On coming back, the people saw to their amazement the antelope jumping and making very strange movements.
The people in an attempt to imitate the movement of the animal as a sign of celebrating the queen mother's health started the Adowa dance. The dance was hence started by the Asafo companies.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3crVhhnSw8 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3crVhhnSw8)
What other differeces do you see in the two dances? Also, does anyone know the significance of the large buttocks of the female dancers who perform these dances?
Article Reference: http://omgvoice.com/lifestyle/history-traditional-dances-ghana/ (http://omgvoice.com/lifestyle/history-traditional-dances-ghana/)
The Antelope part may be some type of Anansesɛm! And not based on a true Abakɔsɛm!
Just like the story of Ɔkomfo Anokye. At least, the part of receiving the Golden Stool by conjuring it from the sky is based on Myth. Not a real history.
But to me, it has an esoteric meaning!
KNOWing is better than beLIEving.