Anlo Clans (Hlowo)

There are fifteen clans in Anlo. And every Anlo is by hereditary a member of one of the clans. Since Anlo’s observe a paternal system of inheritance, children (both boys and girls) automatically become members
of their father’s clan.

All the clans have their ancestor’s homes at Anloga. Each clan has a governing council consisting of a head, a custodian of the clan’s relics, and a number of councilors who hold the clan’s property in trust. Membership of a clan imposes certain obligations and taboos. For example, killing an alligator lizard is a taboo for members of Lafe and Amlade clans. Dogs are taboo for members of the Ame clan etc.

The clans may be divided into two groups according to the observance of funeral rites. Those in the first group – Lafeawo, Amladeawo, Adzoviawo, Bateawo, Bameawo Ameawo, Likeawo, Toviawo, Kleviawo, and Yetsofeawo – are called Nkekekpuitoawo or short period clans. These clans are so described because the usual night-long vigil for a deceased member of any of these clans is held on the 4th day, counting from the day of burial. The fifth day is set aside for ritual prayers of parting for the dead.

The second group, Nkekelegbetowo or long period clans, consists of Tsiameawo  Agaveawo, Dzeviawo, ifemeawo and Bluawo. In the case of this group, the customary observances are held on the seventh and eighth day. The ifemeawo and Bluawo, however, perform their rites on the eighth and ninth days. At the celebrations, each clan will organize the traditional HANUDUDU.