The Builsa people, residing predominantly in the Builsa North and Builsa South Districts of Ghana’s Upper East Region, have a rich and vibrant cultural heritage deeply rooted in traditional values, history, and a strong communal lifestyle. This culture is shaped by various elements, including language, festivals, rituals, kinship systems, economic activities, and social structures. Here’s a comprehensive look at the culture of the Builsa people.
1. Language and Communication
The Builsa people speak the Buli language, part of the Gur language family. Buli is central to Builsa identity, acting as a vessel for transmitting cultural values, proverbs, and oral history. Despite the influence of globalization and the adoption of English as a national language, Buli remains prevalent in social interactions, ceremonies, and traditional gatherings, especially in rural areas. Elders and community leaders often use proverbs and parables in Buli to convey wisdom and maintain social cohesion.
2. Social Structure and Kinship
The Builsa social structure is based on kinship ties and clan affiliation. Society is organized around extended family units, which play crucial roles in decision-making, communal labor, and the support of members. These kinship networks are patrilineal, with inheritance and social roles typically passing through the male line. Clans, each with distinct totems, contribute to a sense of belonging and identity. Respect for elders is highly emphasized; elders serve as custodians of tradition and have significant influence in resolving disputes, planning ceremonies, and guiding the younger generation.
The Builsa culture is a vibrant blend of traditional beliefs, practices, and communal values that have been preserved across generations. The resilience of the Builsa people in celebrating their heritage while adapting to modernity reflects a deep commitment to their identity and values.
3. Festivals and Celebrations
One of the most significant cultural celebrations among the Builsa people is the Feok Festival, held annually in December. The Feok Festival commemorates the Builsa’s historical resistance against slave raiders, particularly against the Zambarima warriors led by Babatu in the 19th century. The festival is marked by vibrant displays of traditional dances, music, drumming, and reenactments of historical battles. Feok serves as a cultural touchstone, reinforcing unity and pride among the Builsa people while educating the younger generation on their history.
Apart from Feok, other life-cycle celebrations are essential cultural expressions. Births, marriages, and funerals are celebrated with distinct rites, music, and dance, each holding symbolic meaning. Funerals, in particular, are elaborate, reflecting beliefs about the afterlife and the significance of ancestral spirits.
4. Religion and Spiritual Beliefs
The traditional religion of the Builsa people centers around a belief in a supreme deity, known as “Wieni,” and a complex system of ancestor veneration and spirit worship. Ancestors are believed to play active roles in the lives of the living, offering protection and guidance. Sacrifices and offerings, often involving animals, are made to appease both ancestors and deities, especially in times of illness, drought, or misfortune. Diviners and spiritual leaders, called “Tindanas,” act as intermediaries between the physical and spiritual worlds, overseeing rituals, conducting sacrifices, and offering counsel based on spiritual insights.
While many Builsa people now adhere to Christianity or Islam, traditional religious practices and beliefs remain influential. Some families and communities continue to observe rituals and traditional festivals alongside newer religious practices, blending them in ways that maintain cultural continuity.
5. Music, Dance, and Art
Music and dance are integral to the Builsa way of life, not only for entertainment but as mediums of cultural expression and spiritual communication. Traditional instruments include drums, xylophones, flutes, and horns, each of which is used in different types of dances and rituals. Specific dances, such as the war dance performed during the Feok Festival, reflect themes of strength, courage, and unity. Songs and dances are also used to celebrate the harvest, weddings, and other social gatherings.
Art and craft are prominent in Builsa culture, particularly in basket weaving and pottery. These crafts are not only functional but hold aesthetic and cultural significance, with patterns and designs reflecting aspects of Builsa heritage. Builsa women are known for their skill in weaving baskets from straw, which are popular throughout Ghana and beyond.
6. Traditional Governance
Traditional leadership among the Builsa people is structured around chiefs and sub-chiefs who govern over various villages and towns. Chiefs are revered as custodians of the land and enforcers of customary laws. They preside over local disputes, represent their communities in regional matters, and perform critical roles in festivals and other communal events. The Tindanas, or earth priests, also hold significant authority, particularly concerning land matters and spiritual issues. In many Builsa communities, these two roles work collaboratively to maintain peace, social order, and cultural continuity.
7. Economic Activities
The Builsa people are predominantly agrarian, with farming forming the backbone of the local economy. Millet, sorghum, maize, and groundnuts are staple crops, along with livestock rearing, which includes cattle, sheep, and goats. The communal nature of farming is reflected in shared labor practices and the use of communal granaries. Market days serve as important social events where Builsa people gather to trade, socialize, and exchange news.
Additionally, basket weaving and pottery production contribute significantly to the Builsa economy, particularly among women. These crafts are not only economically valuable but also represent an avenue for the preservation and transmission of traditional skills and designs.
8. Attire and Adornment
Traditional Builsa attire reflects the region’s environment and cultural identity. Men typically wear smocks, often accompanied by caps, while women wear wrap skirts and blouses crafted from colorful, locally woven fabrics. During the Feok Festival and other special occasions, traditional attire is adorned with beads, cowries, and other ornaments, symbolizing the community’s heritage and pride.
9. Food and Cuisine
The staple foods of the Builsa people are millet and sorghum, which are used to make dishes like “TZ” (tuo zaafi), a thick porridge served with various sauces. Groundnuts, beans, and leafy greens are essential to the Builsa diet, and meals are often shared communally, reflecting the strong sense of community among the people. Local brews, such as millet beer, are enjoyed during festivals and social gatherings.
10. Impact of Modernization and Cultural Preservation
While modernization and globalization have influenced many aspects of Builsa culture, efforts are underway to preserve and promote traditional values. Organizations, cultural associations, and community leaders have been advocating for the teaching of Buli in schools and the documentation of Builsa history, folklore, and customs. The Feok Festival, with its popularity among tourists and the diaspora, also plays a key role in showcasing and preserving Builsa cultural heritage.
11. Challenges and Cultural Resilience
The Builsa people face challenges such as economic migration, climate change, and the gradual erosion of traditional values. Many youth are drawn to urban areas in search of education and employment opportunities, which can lead to a decline in traditional practices and languages. However, the Builsa people have shown resilience in maintaining cultural practices through annual gatherings, community engagements, and cultural advocacy.