Celebrating the past in peacetime: The Leelik War dance of the Bulsa of Northern Ghana

Abstract

This article is a historical narrative analyzing the annual Leelik, a war dance of the Bulsa in the northern parts of Ghana in the context of the Feok festival. Leelik expresses the warfare narratives of the Bulsa people in cultural music and dance performances of their victory over Babatu, a Slave Raider, and his warriors. Through the analysis of ethnographic data and archival material, this article argues that the Bulsa War dance performed in peacetime in present-day Bulsaland is a significant historical phenomenon utilized for purposes of entertainment, cultural identity, strengthening of bonds of unity among the people, and community development. This paper makes a significant contribution to our understanding of war dances within the framework of festivals and how they could be employed as a means of denouncing war and conflict and promoting peace, socialization, and societal development. The article concludes that Leelik remains a way of life celebrating the past and reinforcing the spirit of unity and belonging among the Bulsa. However, its continuing existence depends on the relentless effort of chiefs, elders, and family heads to socialize the youth and resocialise older folks about the significance of celebrating Leelik annually.