Ewe

Ewe (pronounced “eh-vay” or “eh-way”), indigenous peoples inhabiting the coasts of the republics of Ghana, Togo, and Benin. The name is also applied to their language, which is from the Niger-Congo family. One of Ghana’s largest indigenous groups, the Ewe are organized into small kingdoms, with the kings chosen from among the chiefs. Descent follows the male line, and property is held in common, although individual ownership of personal possessions is also permitted. Inheritance passes to the maternal uncle, with movable property going to the paternal uncle and the children (see Kinship). The basic economy is agricultural; hunting is monopolized by a special caste. The Ewe have a highly developed judicial system, and their religious beliefs tend to be both complex and animistic.