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Traditional marriage · Krobo (Dangme)

Krobo engagement list (marriage list)

Krobo marriage includes a greeting drink, gifts to greet the mother-in-law, and the father's items (ngatsɛ).

The knocking is called agbosimi.

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The list, item by item

If a child already exists (la-pomi), the woman traditionally sets a sum, paid with gin, schnapps and a sheep.

For the bride

  • Cloths × 6
  • Umbrella
  • Cutlass
  • Beads
  • Small stool

For the bride's mother

  • Nganyɛ semi fɔmi — gifts to greet the mother-in-law

For the bride's father

  • Ngatsɛ: cloth for the bride's father
  • Ngatsɛ: cutlass
  • Ngatsɛ: umbrella
  • Ngatsɛ: sandals
  • Ngatsɛ: tobacco

Drinks

  • Ngami da — the greeting drink
  • Gin and schnapps

A general guide drawn from published lists — not any family's official list. The bride's family gives the actual list, and items and amounts are agreed through the families' spokespersons. Customs differ by ethnic group, hometown and faith; some families accept cash instead of drinks. Always confirm with the bride's family.

Common questions

What is on a Krobo engagement list?

Published Krobo lists usually include ngami da, gin and schnapps, cloths, umbrella and more: 13 items in all on the list below. The bride's family gives the actual list, so treat this one as a starting point.

What is the knocking called in Krobo custom?

The knocking, the groom's family's first formal visit, is called agbosimi. Many families now hold the knocking and the engagement on the same day.

Who decides what goes on a Krobo engagement list?

The bride's family. They give the list to the groom's family, and items and amounts are agreed through the families' spokespersons. Some families accept cash instead of drinks.

Where this list comes from