Event:Unearthing Ghana’s Hidden Heritage: Exploring Historical Artifacts in Northern Kingdoms

• Project Description
• Sponsors/Partners
• Deliverables
• Trainees
• Time Lines

Project Overview

The northern half of Ghana, steeped in a rich and often overlooked history, harbors a treasure trove of undocumented artifacts. Within its borders lie the ancient Dagbon, Mamprugu, and Waala Kingdoms—custodians of a cultural heritage spanning centuries. Our project aims to explore and document these artifacts, increasing awareness through Wikipedia articles and images/videos on Wikimedia Commons. Additionally, we will create structured data for these artifacts using Wikidata, which could be utilized in the future to develop visualization tools and other resources.

PROJECT GOAL

The goal is to gather and document on Wikimedia Commons, Wikipedia and on Wikidata tangible items such as traditional woven fabrics like "smock" clothing, handmade beads, wooden sculptures, swords, bows and arrows, traditional drums, and handmade pottery items such as bowls, jars, and decorative pieces. All these reflect the northern territories of Ghana's historical connections to weaponry and hunting practices, and as well reflect the local craftsmanship and cultural heritage making them valuable artifacts that reflect local craftsmanship and traditions.

Team & Roles

The following team members will assist in different ways to ensure the success of the events.

1. Alhassan Mohammed Awal will coordinate the entire project and play a lead role in the trainings
2. Zakaria Tunsung Wikimedian in residence at the Waala Kingdom (Upper West region of Ghana)
3. Sir Amugi Communication and Wikimedian in residence for Dagbon Kingdom (Northern Region of Ghana).
4. Achiri Bitamsimli Trainer and Wikimedian in residence for the Mamprugu Kingdom (North-East and Upper East regions of Ghana)

Other Info