“El techo de mi casa es particular”: Ethnic Identities and Domestic Spaces in the Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo District (Northeast Ghana)

Abstract

In this paper we investigate the profound and complex relationships that exist between ethnic identity and material culture, through an ethnoarchaeological study of the domestic spaces of several communities that inhabit the district of Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo (Northeast Ghana). This territory is inhabited by a number of ethnic groups that present a set of complex relationships. These relationships, and especially the day to day interactions between these groups are significantly influenced by social identity and will be discussed in detail. In order to explore these relationships, we used two initial premises. First, we defend the concept that ethnic identities are, above everything else, relational and fluid in nature. Second, we argue that that material culture plays an active role in the maintenance, negotiation, and subversion of those identities. In line with these viewpoints, we will demonstrate that material culture is in its essence part of these processes, and thus adopts the same characteristics.