Samanfre and Unheard Voices: Reclaiming Akan Tradition in La Saison de l'ombre

Video Arts & Humanities 2025 Graduate Exhibition

Presentation by Kwasi Ndjokunla Ketchore

Exhibition Number 523

Abstract

«Mère, il n’y a que de l’eau. Le chemin du retour s’est effacé, il n’y a plus que de l’eau» (Miano 71). “Mother, there is only water. The path home has vanished; there is nothing left but water.” This presentation explores the connections between the Akan ritual of Samanfre and the themes in Léonora Miano’s La Saison de l'ombre, emphasizing the urgency of recognizing silenced narratives and the artistic efforts that aim to reimagine them. Samanfre, a ritual in Ghana’s Akan tradition, offers a compelling lens to examine grief and the quest for truth. Rooted in a profound belief in communicating with the spirit world, this practice is often invoked during emotional distress to uncover the circumstances surrounding a loved one’s death. Drawing parallels with La Saison de l'ombre, this study investigates how literature and ritual can act as forms of reclamation, giving voice to histories overshadowed by dominant narratives. I argue that in the absence of archives and artistic interventions in physical spaces—when artists are not performing—who, then, speaks for the unheard voices? Engaging with Dominick LaCapra’s theory of structural and historical trauma, this analysis examines the persistent absence in historical records, particularly concerning the transatlantic slave trade, where gaps, silences, and the lack of “visuals” or “representations” necessitate acts of mourning and creative remembrance. Through these inquiries, my presentation sheds light on the complexities of diasporic reconnection and the role of artists and ancestral traditions in shaping contemporary understandings of identity and belonging.

Importance

This project seeks to enhance the broader narratives of Black experiences, particularly those of the African American community, descendants of enslaved individuals. Addressing the gaps, omissions, and unfinished stories within slave narratives and archives requires an alternative approach to challenge and shed light on these accounts. Literary texts and art alone, or even archives by themselves, are insufficient to accomplish this vital goal. Thus, my project investigates various perspectives, including cinema, performance, and certain traditional practices. Through their audio/visual and cinematic expressions, these mediums can help bridge historical gaps.

DEI Statement

This inclusive project aims to unite all voices and bring attention to overlooked narratives. It also seeks to promote equity by ensuring that everyone’s voice is recognized. Minority communities, whose histories have often been silenced or misrepresented, need a platform, and my project aims to provide that. By engaging with historical, theoretical, and lived experiences, I intend to contribute to the ongoing processes of identity formation, cultural negotiation, and historical reckoning, particularly within African diasporic communities. The interdisciplinary nature of my project is essential for navigating diverse fields of scholarship and helps elevate lesser-known writers and artists.