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The Story of Feok
The story of Feok is one premised on a cultural celebration of bravery and a bountiful harvest. The nostalgia surrounding it is not confined to merry making and the pouring of libation. It is more centred on a unified celebration of one festival by 13 autonomous towns; though linked by lineage, language, locale and similarities in cultural practices.
The Warriors of Builsaland
Characterized by a massive influx of indigenes from all over Ghana (the world). Many simply come to Sandema to witness the famous war dance/march believed to have been a major tactic used to repel & defeat slave raiders in colonial times.
Whilst the dance/march is a sight to behold, the nostalgia from the beautiful Smock apparel fitted with talismans of different sizes and different spiritual efficacies speak volumes of the traditional nature of the celebrations.
Warriors who double as hunters hang several animal skins & bones as part of their regalia.
The majestic back and forth strides in semblance of a marauding bull is said to have re-enforced the camouflage tact adopted by Builsas in times of war. The horned hats, the sharp axe, as well as the bow and arrow (often laced with poison in true war situations) remain a Builsa warriors toolkit.
Archery Competition
The Archery competition often held a day after the grand durbar of the Chiefs and people is proof of our superiority in using arrows as weapons during war. It has been said that some of our great warriors were master archers on horseback.
Even though music drives the entire celebrations, there is a lot of spiritual exercises to commence and ensure a peaceful and successful celebration. The spirituality of the celebrations is however not entirely open to the public.
Feok in its truest form is therefore the spirit of Buluk.
The Spirit of Buluk
As the spirit of a unique people, each celebration must assume a milestone and a new phase for our forthright march towards economic emancipation.
The above has governed the celebrations since the inception of Feok by the late Nab Ayieta Azantilow. The thematic celebrations are testament to the development-oriented nature of the celebrations. Whilst we may argue about the effective pursuance of the themes that characterize each celebration, we can also re-orient our minds to adjust for a take-off. One that fully sees the realization of set targets by way of the governing themes.
Such is the nature of a spirit – oneness for growth. The direct benefits for the business community and the gains for the two Builsa districts as tourism surges remain limitless. It is therefore prudent to see the spirit of Buluk and fully adopt it for empowerment of all.
Empowerment for all
The traditional Builsa is perceived to be fearless, tactical and very resourceful. These assertions may have arisen from the many wars fought to repel slave raiders. The unconventional tactics used by Builsa warriors, which were later adopted by neighboring towns lend credence to the tactical and fearless nature of our being.
Our resourcefulness stem from our ability to turn any situation into gain and emerge victors. This may have accounted for the role of Nab Ayieta Azantilow in psyching the Ghanaian contingent drafted to fight alongside the British in Burma. It is therefore appropriate to explore Feok and its adjoining activities to open up economic opportunities for all. Opportunities abound yet we have done little to nothing in realizing the gains from those opportunities.
Opportunities
Feok is a celebration of culture & History. Culture & History is an intricate part of tourism. Tourism is a major economic development tool.
Evidence of the slave trade abound in Buluk; this considers the multi-pronged fight approach in defeating slave raiders; Builsa-land definitely has insightful evidence worthy of visits to all who have an interest in the history of slave trade.
The birth of Buluk is quiet interesting and ascertaining the origin of Builsa’s and the reasons behind the 13 autonomous Builsa towns is worth exploring.
The myths surrounding the giant who lived in Kadema and the speculated total annihilation of “Vari” around Bachongsa is also worth probing.
There is so much Buluk has to offer the world by way of tourism.
Relics from some battles with slave raiders still exist in Fiisa and some other places. the activities surrounding Feok is capable of attracting a huge volume of tourists when properly marketed.
When we open up by branding and marketing Feok well, a lot of jobs will be created…
I will be sharing some business ideals in my next article.
