Ewe

The people Ewe extends along the border between Ghana and Togo, 150 more numerous in Ghana, about two million represent 1l 12In Togo, the smallest and least populous country, with just over a million and a half, 43%, being therefore the majority ethnic group. From Nigeria, from the Yoruba territory of Ketu came successively to its present implantation from the century on. XVII. This community was divided at the end of the century XIX between two countries The English Gold Coast and the German Togoland and after having been protected by England and by France accedes to independence in the 1960. The 50% of the population is animistic, followed by Catholics, the 26% and Islam, 15%. The different Protestant churches reach the 9%. The family, which is the central unit of its social system, has a patrilineal system, although men are actively involved in family tasks, since they Ewe There are no male or female tasks. Children play an essential role, mainly twins who are considered sacred because they participate in human life and nature and have great powers. The cult of the Vinavi twins is deeply rooted. "Vinavi" means "mellizo." These statuettes called twins or dolls Vinavi represent the deceased children, even if they are not necessarily twins, and mothers carry them on their backs in the traditional manner of African mothers or place them on the altar of the priestess of the village or carefully keep them in their homes. They are asked to grant some desire or cure moral and physical ailments. Like the Ibedji, the Vinavi are fed by their mothers and laid in bed at night, as they did during their lifetime. They are the subject of many attentions during travel. The cult of the Vinavi is intended to perpetuate the memory of the deceased twins. They are usually roughly carved figures, intended to appease the Trowo, geniuses or lesser gods sent by Maw, the creator god, to care for men. In some cases it is a simple bone, or a bone to which a human carved tablet has been added. These statuettes are sacralized in special ceremonies by the priest or specialist in the cult of the twins. But they do not always represent twins. Twins are venerated in Togo, where there is a high percentage being in this country a symbol of luck. There is a belief that if forgotten, they could get angry and disturb the lives of the living. If they are honest, they ensure their protection against all kinds of dangers and bring healing from moral and physical evils and grant the desires that are formulated to them. . The pinkish tone of some figures implies a sign of happiness. The Ewe are mainly farmers, grow the 80% of Togo's coffee and cocoa production and also produce handicrafts.