The history of the past can be told by the traditional practices that are still common in today's modern Ghanaian society. The village way of living is very much based on tradition, community and nature. The villagers used many local products to help with daily chores, and even today they continue to use many of those same products because of the strong cultural connection that they have to daily life.
Traditions in the village were never really about the material things we have today, but rather about connecting to one another and the world around you through everything we did. All of the items in homes were made from materials available in the environment, such as wood clay, sand, and stone. The people who made these items were experts in their craft and passed their skills down through generations. Every single item was given its own story, purpose, and connection to tradition.
I recently saw photos of a well-organised display of earthenware bowls at a street market and immediately noticed them because of the craftsmanship that is evident in this art form. Earthenware bowls have been used for centuries and were used traditionally for grinding foods that helped bring families together during mealtime.
While grinding foods in earthenware bowls is an important part of traditional Ghanaian cuisine, they have also been used historically as a serving vessel for foods, particularly fufu. Grinding and serving fufu from earthenware bowls was a common practice among villagers, and each meal served in these bowls represented a warm and personal connection between the people eating the meal.
Earthenware bowls are no longer relegated to traditional village settings, but are increasingly being found in chop bars and other restaurants and eating establishments throughout the country. A once old-fashioned item is now appreciated for its authenticity and cultural significance. For many people today, purchasing earthenware bowls is a way to connect their love of food to their love of their cultural heritage and to appreciate the traditional values that their ancestors held dear.
It is truly a pleasure to eat from these bowls made from sand because it gives me a feeling of returning to my roots and reminds me that there is still value in the old ways of doing things in today's fast-moving world. Protecting and embracing these traditions will allow Ghanaians to continue to enjoy the rich history and legacy of their heritage and provide a means for future generations to appreciate the beauty of their culture.