The North East Region, characterised by its vast savannah landscapes and diverse ethnic groups, is a land of rich cultural heritage and traditional chieftaincy. The region’s cultural identity is shaped by the traditions of the Mamprusi, among others, who have inhabited this area for centuries. Traditional chieftaincy plays a vital role in the region’s social and political life. The Mampruli language is dominant.

Historical Context and Migration Patterns:

• The Mamprusi kingdom has a long and rich history, with influences from both indigenous and Islamic traditions. The region’s history is intertwined with the trans-Saharan trade routes.

Festivals:

• Festivals celebrating historical events, such as the founding of kingdoms and the exploits of ancestral heroes, are important cultural events in the region. These festivals often feature elaborate processions, drumming, dancing, and traditional ceremonies.
• Harvest festivals are also celebrated.

Fabrics, Textiles, and Fashion:

• Smock clothing (fugu), a handwoven fabric with distinctive patterns and vibrant colours, is a hallmark of North East Region fashion. These textiles, often worn for ceremonial occasions and everyday wear, reflect the region’s artistic heritage and cultural identity.
• Traditional hats are also used.

Indigenous Architecture:

• Traditional round mud houses, with their flat or conical roofs, are designed to provide cool and comfortable living spaces in the region’s hot and dry climate. These structures, often featuring courtyards and granaries, reflect the region’s architectural ingenuity and adaptation to its environment.

Traditional Games & Sports:

• Horse riding and traditional wrestling matches, reflecting the region’s cultural traditions, are popular forms of entertainment and social interaction. These activities, passed down through generations, preserve the region’s cultural heritage and foster community spirit.

Traditional Dances & Folklore:

• Drumming and dancing traditions, often related to chieftaincy, historical events, and social gatherings, are an integral part of North East Region culture. These performances, filled with rhythmic movements and expressive gestures, preserve the region’s oral traditions and cultural identity.

Local Food: Tuo Zaafi, and other cereal-based foods.

Craftsmanship: Smock weaving, and leather works.

Folklore and Oral Traditions:

• Folklore is rich in stories of kingdom building and the exploits of ancestral heroes. Proverbs are used to convey wisdom and guide social behaviour.

Traditional Religion and Spirituality:

• Both traditional African religion and Islam are practised in the region. Traditional beliefs involve the worship of ancestral spirits and various deities associated with nature.

Contemporary Cultural Expressions:

• Traditional music and dance continue to be important, with contemporary artists incorporating traditional rhythms and melodies into their work.

Regional Variation in Craftsmanship:

Smock weaving techniques vary, with different patterns and designs representing different clans or lineages. Leatherwork includes the creation of saddles, bags, and other items, with intricate designs and embellishments