Upper Volta: The Land of Many Misconceptions

Introduction

Upper Volta, a landlocked country in West Africa bordered by Mali, Niger, Ivory Coast and Ghana. Upper Volta, filled with a unique blend of culture and history, is often overlooked and underestimated.

The Hilarious History of Upper Volta

Upper Volta, formerly known as Haute-Volta, was a colony of France until gaining independence in 1960. Although it gained independence, the country struggled for years, led by military coups that saw its name changing from Upper Volta to Burkina Faso in 1984, which translates to “the land of upright men.”

But wait, why was it called Upper Volta?

Many people speculate that it was because of its location on the upper reaches of the Volta River. But the real reason is much more humorous. The name was actually coined by French explorers who were so bored with their journey that they asked the locals what they should name the land they were in. The locals jokingly replied, “Volta - River of our grandfathers,” which the French explorers misunderstood as “Upper Volta.”

The Quirky Customs and Traditions of Upper Volta

One of the most bizarre customs in Upper Volta is their love for masks. This tradition has been inherited from their ancestors and is still widely celebrated today. The locals wear masks during their dances and ceremonies to honour their ancestors.

In addition, Upper Volta is home to the “Dabous Giraffes,” a pair of life-size carvings of giraffes that are over 5,000 years old. Don’t be surprised if the locals tell you that the giraffes were carved by aliens visiting Earth.

The Food and Culture of Upper Volta

One of the most popular dishes in Upper Volta is “Poulet kedjenou,” which translates to “chicken cooked in a pot.” It is a delicious one-pot meal served with rice or yams. But beware, the locals have a saying that goes, “If the food doesn’t make you sweat, it’s not worth eating!”

Their culture is filled with music, dancing, and storytelling. In particular, the Griots, who are storytellers and musicians, have an important role in Upper Volta society. They use their music to pass on stories from generation to generation and entertain their audiences with their talents.

Conclusion