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Hello Everyone! Ready for #WyrdWednesday the #AfricanMythology edition? I am! I’m actually excited about this one because I get to share some cool things I found out about #Drinks and #Drinking culture in Cameroon while researching a section of my book.
#WyrdWednesday #AfricanMythology
I will share a few things about drinks and drinking culture from other African peoples, of course, but a good number of today’s posts, will focus on findings from Cameroon.
I will share a few things about drinks and drinking culture from other African peoples, of course, but a good number of today’s posts, will focus on findings from Cameroon.
#WyrdWednesday #AfricanMythology
So, what do people drink across the continent? This article gives a good enough round up of popular traditional drinks: http://africajumpstart.com/5-traditional-african-drinks-that-you-can-turn-into-profits/
So, what do people drink across the continent? This article gives a good enough round up of popular traditional drinks: http://africajumpstart.com/5-traditional-african-drinks-that-you-can-turn-into-profits/
#WyrdWednesday #AfricanMythology
The Xhosa and Zulu in South Africa drink Umqombothi, made from beer made from maize (corn), maize malt, sorghum malt, yeast and water.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umqombothi
The Xhosa and Zulu in South Africa drink Umqombothi, made from beer made from maize (corn), maize malt, sorghum malt, yeast and water.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umqombothi
#WyrdWednesday #AfricanMythology
People also drink various kinds of animal milk (cow, camel, goat etc.), teas (mint, hibiscus, lemon grass, corn silk, etc.) This is not counting the different kinds of medicinal brews.
People also drink various kinds of animal milk (cow, camel, goat etc.), teas (mint, hibiscus, lemon grass, corn silk, etc.) This is not counting the different kinds of medicinal brews.
#WyrdWednesday #AfricanMythology
Needless to say, drinks play a key role in rituals and traditional medicine where they are poured as libations to ancestors and as a base for medical potions.
Needless to say, drinks play a key role in rituals and traditional medicine where they are poured as libations to ancestors and as a base for medical potions.
#WyrdWednesday #AfricanMythology
Drinks and drinking culture also influence art forms like architecture, pottery, weaving and carving (horns and wood for cups) and this is where we stop in Cameroon for a bit.
Drinks and drinking culture also influence art forms like architecture, pottery, weaving and carving (horns and wood for cups) and this is where we stop in Cameroon for a bit.
#WyrdWednesday #AfricanMythology
We love our booze in Cameroon! We have imported beers, beers brewed by commercial brewing companies, and many other traditional beers and liquors: Palm wine ( Matango, Melok asse, Fitchuk or Mbuh), Palm wine liquor (Afofo, Kembé)
We love our booze in Cameroon! We have imported beers, beers brewed by commercial brewing companies, and many other traditional beers and liquors: Palm wine ( Matango, Melok asse, Fitchuk or Mbuh), Palm wine liquor (Afofo, Kembé)
#WyrdWednesday #AfricanMythology
Sorghum beer (Tè or Mpedli), Millet beer (Bili bili), Corn beer (Mbwara, Shah, Nkan), Corn liquor (Mebwalam), Cassava liquor (also Mebwalam), Plantain wine (melok ykone), Plantain liquor (kembé ykone) and honey wine.
Sorghum beer (Tè or Mpedli), Millet beer (Bili bili), Corn beer (Mbwara, Shah, Nkan), Corn liquor (Mebwalam), Cassava liquor (also Mebwalam), Plantain wine (melok ykone), Plantain liquor (kembé ykone) and honey wine.
#WyrdWednesday #AfricanMythology
The different traditional names come from the languages of different peoples who brew them. Liquor brewing is old African technology which, as some of you may know, was brought to the Americas by those who were enslaved. https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/26/dining/jack-daniels-whiskey-nearis-green-slave.html
The different traditional names come from the languages of different peoples who brew them. Liquor brewing is old African technology which, as some of you may know, was brought to the Americas by those who were enslaved. https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/26/dining/jack-daniels-whiskey-nearis-green-slave.html
#WyrdWednesday #AfricanMythology
Sorghum and millet are important to the Guidar, Kapsiki, Mafa from the northern part of the country. The Mafa believe sorghum is the only plant which has a soul like humans. It features prominently in their oral traditions.
Sorghum and millet are important to the Guidar, Kapsiki, Mafa from the northern part of the country. The Mafa believe sorghum is the only plant which has a soul like humans. It features prominently in their oral traditions.
#WyrdWednesday #AfricanMythology
The name “Kapsiki” is derived from the word “psekè” which refers to the sprouting of sorghum grain at the start of the brewing process. Traditionally, the work of brewing sorghum beer was strictly reserved for men.
The name “Kapsiki” is derived from the word “psekè” which refers to the sprouting of sorghum grain at the start of the brewing process. Traditionally, the work of brewing sorghum beer was strictly reserved for men.
#WyrdWednesday #AfricanMythology
The men work in specially designed and located huts. This influenced the overall design of Kapsiki settlements. Male brewers also had to follow specific rituals as they brewed. Beer could be male (Tè) or female (Mpedli).
The men work in specially designed and located huts. This influenced the overall design of Kapsiki settlements. Male brewers also had to follow specific rituals as they brewed. Beer could be male (Tè) or female (Mpedli).
#WyrdWednesday #AfricanMythology
Mpedli was brewed by women in a quick uncomplicated process. It was consumed by any and everyone. Tè was brewed exclusively by men and used for rituals and other sacred occasions.
Mpedli was brewed by women in a quick uncomplicated process. It was consumed by any and everyone. Tè was brewed exclusively by men and used for rituals and other sacred occasions.
#WyrdWednesday #AfricanMythology
Crafting the pots, cups and other implements used to store, serve and consume the beer was reserved for women. This is no longer the case since mainly women are now involved in the brewing and selling of beer.
Crafting the pots, cups and other implements used to store, serve and consume the beer was reserved for women. This is no longer the case since mainly women are now involved in the brewing and selling of beer.
#WyrdWednesday #AfricanMythology
More here if you want to really dig into it: https://horizon.documentation.ird.fr/exl-doc/pleins_textes/divers10-07/010038348.pdf
More here if you want to really dig into it: https://horizon.documentation.ird.fr/exl-doc/pleins_textes/divers10-07/010038348.pdf
#WyrdWednesday #AfricanMythology
Palm wine… phew. Where to start? This is perhaps the most important drink and ritual substance in West/Central Africa.
Palm wine… phew. Where to start? This is perhaps the most important drink and ritual substance in West/Central Africa.
Palm wine features in the myths of the Yoruba. Here is a story about the Orisa Obatala (which seems to link alcohol consumption to birth defects) https://africanpoems.net/gods-ancestors/obatala-the-creator/
#WyrdWednesday #AfricanMythology
Palm wine has its own musical style among the Kru in Liberia : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palm-wine_music
Palm wine has its own musical style among the Kru in Liberia : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palm-wine_music
#WyrdWednesday #AfricanMythology
Akpeteshie is the palm wine derived liquor from Ghana. It has in origins in "kpótomenui," ( i.e. “something hidden in a coconut mat fence”) a local drink of the Anlo Ewe.
Akpeteshie is the palm wine derived liquor from Ghana. It has in origins in "kpótomenui," ( i.e. “something hidden in a coconut mat fence”) a local drink of the Anlo Ewe.
#WyrdWednesday #AfricanMythology
Akpeteshie is also called Kill Me Quick, Holy Water, Liquid Fire, Man Pass Man, African Ice. Quick Action, Yes We Can...
More here: https://goldstreetbusiness.com/2019/business/akpeteshie-the-local-gin-which-has-served-presidents-chiefs-and-commoners/
Akpeteshie is also called Kill Me Quick, Holy Water, Liquid Fire, Man Pass Man, African Ice. Quick Action, Yes We Can...
More here: https://goldstreetbusiness.com/2019/business/akpeteshie-the-local-gin-which-has-served-presidents-chiefs-and-commoners/
#WyrdWednesday #AfricanMythology
In Ewe (Ghana) folklore, palm wine is the reason why the tortoise ends up with a shell. http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2019/09/story-of-day-how-tortoise-got-its-shell.html
In Ewe (Ghana) folklore, palm wine is the reason why the tortoise ends up with a shell. http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2019/09/story-of-day-how-tortoise-got-its-shell.html
#WyrdWednesday #AfricanMythology
In Akan (Ghana) mythology the ancestors are believed to take turns drinking palm wine offerings poured out during libation. That is what this painting depicts. Read more here: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Osuanyi_Essel/publication/319417758_LIBATION_ART_IN_ART_OF_GHANALINKING_THE_UNLINKED/links/59a948d80f7e9b279011ed9f/LIBATION-ART-IN-ART-OF-GHANALINKING-THE-UNLINKED.pdf
In Akan (Ghana) mythology the ancestors are believed to take turns drinking palm wine offerings poured out during libation. That is what this painting depicts. Read more here: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Osuanyi_Essel/publication/319417758_LIBATION_ART_IN_ART_OF_GHANALINKING_THE_UNLINKED/links/59a948d80f7e9b279011ed9f/LIBATION-ART-IN-ART-OF-GHANALINKING-THE-UNLINKED.pdf
#WyrdWednesday #AfricanMythology
In the grassfields (graffi) region of Cameroon (i.e. West and Northwest regions), palm wine consumption was dominated by ritually powerful elder men. Not so much anymore though.
In the grassfields (graffi) region of Cameroon (i.e. West and Northwest regions), palm wine consumption was dominated by ritually powerful elder men. Not so much anymore though.
#WyrdWednesday #AfricanMythology
Traditionally, the prestigious buffalo horn drinking cup which was carved by special artists under commission from the Fon, was reserved exclusively for members of the royal family and title holders. Cups like this:
https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/16124/lot/696/?category=list
Traditionally, the prestigious buffalo horn drinking cup which was carved by special artists under commission from the Fon, was reserved exclusively for members of the royal family and title holders. Cups like this:
https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/16124/lot/696/?category=list
#WyrdWednesday #AfricanMythology
Cow horn cups were used by everyone else in the community. Buffalo horn cups are still prestigious, but their symbolism has weakened with increasing erosion of traditional society. In Bambui (Northwest region) a counterculture has even emerged.
Cow horn cups were used by everyone else in the community. Buffalo horn cups are still prestigious, but their symbolism has weakened with increasing erosion of traditional society. In Bambui (Northwest region) a counterculture has even emerged.
#WyrdWednesday #AfricanMythology
Many young Bambui men now see Buffalo horn cups as symbols of the oppression and corruption of the elders whose management of tribal affairs and resources has been compromised by their involvement in state politics.
Many young Bambui men now see Buffalo horn cups as symbols of the oppression and corruption of the elders whose management of tribal affairs and resources has been compromised by their involvement in state politics.
#WyrdWednesday #AfricanMythology
Now, cow horn cups etched with the face of Bruce Lee is a replacement indicator of status and identity among young Bambui men, which points to the influence of global culture on traditional practices. More here: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Contemporary-cow-horn-drinking-cups-decorated-with-facial-image-of-renowned-actor-Bruce_fig1_305478941/download
Now, cow horn cups etched with the face of Bruce Lee is a replacement indicator of status and identity among young Bambui men, which points to the influence of global culture on traditional practices. More here: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Contemporary-cow-horn-drinking-cups-decorated-with-facial-image-of-renowned-actor-Bruce_fig1_305478941/download
#WyrdWednesday #AfricanMythology
Also, among the grassfield peoples of the Northwest and Western regions, the Fon or Fo who is the traditional ruler, sprays mouthfuls of raffia palm wine mixed with blood from sacrificial animals on his subjects to bless them.
Also, among the grassfield peoples of the Northwest and Western regions, the Fon or Fo who is the traditional ruler, sprays mouthfuls of raffia palm wine mixed with blood from sacrificial animals on his subjects to bless them.
#WyrdWednesday #AfricanMythology
Tribal and family elders among Northern peoples (Mafa, Kapsiki, Guidar) bless members of their tribe or family similarly with millet or sorghum beer. Among the Mankon people, palm wine is used to seal oaths.
Tribal and family elders among Northern peoples (Mafa, Kapsiki, Guidar) bless members of their tribe or family similarly with millet or sorghum beer. Among the Mankon people, palm wine is used to seal oaths.
#WyrdWednesday #AfricanMythology
The parties involved drink from their cups with the invocation: “If I know something about you and fail to tell you, or if I betray you, may this wine tell it to my stomach.
The parties involved drink from their cups with the invocation: “If I know something about you and fail to tell you, or if I betray you, may this wine tell it to my stomach.
That's it for today! So much more to be said on this and I will (as I plan to for other threads) add to it as I find more out.
Thank you all for reading and sharing.
Cheers!
Thank you all for reading and sharing.
Cheers!