Asante (Ghana) Wedding, Brooklyn, NY, 1992

At a reception following the marriage, a young boy dances to honor Brentuo and Mprengo, who respond by holding out two fingers in a V sign. It is a gesture of congratulation, or in this case it may be praise for the boy's performance.

Katrina Thomas's notes: Asante marriage rests in the final negotiations of bride price exacted from the groom's family and witnessed by tribal elders, chiefs, and family members from both sides. Because no one talks directly to a chief, two intermediaries, the chief's assistants, act as go-betweens repeating offers and acceptances made by the heads of each family. The bridegroom is seated among his family members; the bride remains in the background, present but not seen. When the bride price is settled, the money handed over and the liquor laid out, the bride's father or an uncle call on her to come forward. She is asked three times whether she will accept her husband to which she answers yes each time. Having accepted each other the couple shakes hands. Gifts from the groom are brought in and displayed -- kente cloths for dress (some rich, some everyday) and head cloths.