The Kusaas An Indigenous Perspective

The Kusaas An Indigenous Perspective, is a remarkable volume edited by Hasiyatu Abubakari, Agnes Atia Apusigah, and A. Agoswin Musah. 

This book is a seminal contribution to the documentation and preservation of the history, language, tradition, and culture of the Kusaas people.

The volume is rich with details and deep research. 

This work is a testament to the resilience and heritage of the Kusaas community, presenting their story through their lens.

The book is organised into 12 chapters, each addressing a significant aspect of the Kusaas experience. 

The historical journey is meticulously chronicled by James Azumah Abass-Abaah, who provides a comprehensive description of the Kusaas’ early years, conflicts, and their role in independent Ghana.

These chapters are invaluable in countering long-held misrepresentations in colonial and external accounts, offering instead a history told by the Kusaas themselves. 
One of the greatest strengths of the book is the depth of its historical analysis.

The chapters on the formative years and the early conflicts of the Kusaas reveal a people whose history has long been shaped by resilience and determination.

The narratives presented provide natives' insights in contrast to the often Eurocentric versions of African history that have sought to marginalise Indigenous 1 perspectives.

The documentation of pre-colonial political structures, social organisation, and interactions with neighbouring communities paints a vivid picture of the historical journey of the Kusaas people.

Linguistic and cultural aspects are equally well presented in the volume by two native linguists, Hasiyatu Abubakari and Anthony Agoswin Musah’s work on the Kusaal language.

Their contribution highlights the linguistic variances within Kusaal and its interactions with other languages. 

Social customs

The chapters on marriage, childbirth, and naming practices, co-authored by Abass-Abaah and Musah, provide rich insights into the social customs of the Kusaas, reflecting the continuity and evolution of traditions over time.

These chapters not only document the cultural practices but also explore how they have been influenced by external forces such as colonial rule, religious influences and modernisation.

This section is particularly important for younger generations who may have little exposure to these traditional practices and serves as an important reference point for cultural preservation.

Spirituality, occupations, and health practices are given due attention in the volume, with Mark Akurugu Awinzor exploring religious beliefs and practices among the Kusaas, while George Amadu Alalbila and Abass-Abaah document the economic activities that sustain the community.

The religious practices discussed in the book provide an understanding of the deep spiritual ties the Kusaas have with their environment, showing how traditional religious beliefs co-exist with Islam and Christianity.

Aaron Asibi Abuosi’s chapter on health and medicine is particularly illuminating, revealing indigenous health systems that have long been integral to the well-being of the people of Kusaug.

The discussion of herbal medicine and indigenous healing practices highlights the wealth of knowledge possessed by traditional healers and how this knowledge has contributed to the broader field of medicine.

The book also discusses the challenges of integrating traditional medicine with modern healthcare systems and the efforts being made to ensure that indigenous health practices are not lost. 

Oral history

A defining feature of The Kusaas  is its reliance on oral history gathered through extensive interviews with local elders, chiefs, and knowledge keepers.

This approach ensures that the narratives are authentic, preserving the voices of the community in their own words.

Oral history has long been an essential method of preserving African indigenous knowledge, and the editors of this volume have done a commendable job of ensuring that these voices are at the forefront of the narrative.

The appendix, which includes a compendium of Kusaal proverbs, is a delightful addition that enriches the cultural documentation presented in the book.

The editors and contributors deserve commendation for their rigorous research and dedication to ensuring that the Kusaas people’s narrative is told with clarity and dignity.

The book is a valuable resource not only for scholars of history, language, anthropology, and African studies but also for the younger generation of Kusaas who seek to reconnect with their roots.

The meticulous attention to detail and the breadth of topics covered make this book an indispensable resource for anyone interested in indigenous knowledge systems.

The book also highlights the challenges faced by the Kusaas in preserving their cultural identity in an era of rapid globalisation.

The impact of modern education, migration, and technology on traditional knowledge and practices is discussed, offering a nuanced perspective on the dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity. 

The Kusaas  An Indigenous Perspective is essential for anyone interested in indigenous knowledge systems, cultural heritage, language, and historical narratives from an African perspective.

It is a pioneering work that lays a strong foundation for further research and discourse on the Kusaas people and their contributions to the broader Ghanaian and West African historical landscape.

This book is not just a historical account- it is a powerful affirmation of identity, culture, and resilience.

The work presented in this book is a significant step towards rectifying historical oversights and providing a platform for indigenous voices.