As a tourist in any country, there are many things to take with you back home. This may be proof of actually visiting that destination or just an item of remembrance as well. However, there are a few other things that you also just see or experience at your tourist destination. The memories and satisfaction that may come with it is often priceless. Below are some 5 traditional items any tourist in Ghana must insist on seeing. Jumia Travel, Africa’s leading online hotel booking website takes a quick dive into these items.
The Talking drum – Shaped like an hourglass and very common in West Africa, the talking drum carries a tone that is usually related to speech of humans. It has two drumheads connected by leather tension cords, which allow the player to modulate the pitch of the drum by squeezing the cords between their arm and body. It is called a talking drum because when being played by a very skilled player, phrases or complete statements can be played out on the drums. Talking drum communication was identified by Europeans in the eighteenth century. Hidden yet detailed messages were sent from one village to the next faster than could be carried by a person riding a horse. Today, it is used to send messages from Chiefs to villagers or used in making sound for cultural displays and for entertainment. Some travellers also carry a talking drum with them back home as a souvenir or to decorate their rooms and offices.
The Mortar & Pestle (for fufu) – In local parlance, this is commonly known as the ”w)ma & weduru”. It is the basic manual equipment used in making ”fufu” which is a delicious local meal every traveller must enjoy once he/she touches on the shores of Ghana. Boiled yam/cassava and plantain is pounded into a pasty mixture by the use of a pestle in the mortar whiles the whole mixture is stirred and softened by the addition of little amounts of water. Rigorous pounding is needed to get a uniform mix. The end product, a smooth paste which is accompanied with different types of soups and sauces is one to savour. Although mortars and pestles are common everywhere in the world, travelers need to see the Ghanaian ”w)ma and weduru” because of its unique make. It is made out of strong and heavy forest wood and is usually very heavy which demands muscles to use. It is common practice for a man to pound while a woman stirs.
Carvings and masks – often seen as very scary by many non-Africans, wooden carvings and masks have very enchanting outlooks. Masks and carvings made of different shapes and sizes are available all over the country but predominantly in cultural centres, durbar grounds and palace museums. Most of them come with sentimental value or have some sort of history about them. They always tell a certain story. Also, they are used as artefacts to decorate rooms and other places of comfort. The funny designs also make for fine art and amusement. Grab one of these as a souvenir or gift for family and friends you left back home. They will love it.
Traditional outfits – When you think about Ghana, you think about the rich history and tradition of the Ashanti’s, Ga’s and Ewes. The flamboyant heritage of the Dagombas and other Northern ethnic groups. With tradition comes regalia. Talk of Kente, Fugu and the “Akwajan”. These represent only a minute portion of the vast differences in traditional outfits spread throughout the country. Try some on. Buy a Fugu or Kente to take back home. You will look amazing in them.
Credit: JumiaTravel
