Ghana, a land rich in culture and traditions, is noted for its remarkable craft and use of cow skin in many various forms. This article delves into the artistry behind Ghanaian leather and how this material is ingeniously incorporated into their cuisine and culinary domains.
A brief history of leather making in Ghana
Tanners were first introduced by tanner who migrated from Northern Nigeria. Later, it extended to the Ashanti and Greater Accra Regions. During pre-colonial Ghana, the two major occupations were animal rearing and farming.
After slaughtering the animal, the skin was removed which served as the main raw material for the local leather industry. This provided foot-wears, bags and other items for local use.
Apart from the production of goods, the production of leather goods was a source of employment and a major contribution to social life – the main recreational activities of the pre-colonial Ghanaian was drumming and dancing. The drums were made from leather.
Crafting with Cow Skin
Ghanaian artisans have mastered the art of transforming cow skin into intricate and functional items. From handbags to footwear, belts to wallets, the craftsmanship involved in shaping leather into these products is truly awe-inspiring.
Skilled craftsmen and women often work diligently to ensure the highest quality and attention to detail in every piece. These leather goods not only serve as fashion statements but also represent a fusion of tradition and modernity.
This craft can specially be witnessed in the Northern part of Ghana. Zongo, a neighborhood in Tamale, is where you will encounter DIY leather “factories’ ‘ (normally a backyard of someone’s house).
A good place to check out for some leather goods is the Arts Centre in Accra.
Accra Arts Centre
The Ghanaian leather manufacturing process
This is a quick overview of the leather tanning process which takes approximately 5 days to be completed. There are three phases in the leather manufacturing process, namely, the pre-tanning, tanning and post-tanning stages.
- Pre-tanning: Preparing the skins for the tanning phase (soaking, liming, unhairing, deliming/ bating and fleshing).
- Tanning: Traditionally, Ghanaians use vegetable tanning methods that involve using plant-based materials like bark and leaves to treat the cow skin. This age-old technique not only gives the leather a distinctive color but also makes it more environmentally friendly.
- Post-tanning: Different operations such as stretching, trimming and dyeing conducted after the tanning phase to impart certain traits such as colour and texture to the leather depending on the required specifications.
Culinary Wonders of Cow Skin
A traditional waakye dish
Leather isn’t just confined to the realm of craftsmanship; it’s also an integral part of Ghanaian cuisine. One popular dish that showcases the innovative use of cow skin is “waakye”, one of the most traditional examples of breakfast in Ghana.
In this dish, cow skin is boiled and seasoned, providing a chewy and flavorful addition to the traditional rice and beans mixture. Ghanaians have mastered the art of balancing textures and flavors. Another example is wele, which is cow hide used in soups and stews, and even as a snack, adding a unique element to their culinary creations.
Variety in Consumption
Apart from waakye, cow skin is also enjoyed in other culinary forms. “Kpakpo shito,” a spicy pepper sauce, often features bits of fried or grilled cow skin, adding a delightful crunch and smokiness to the condiment.
Additionally, “tuo zaafi,” (cooked Maize dough with a little dried cassava dough and water without salt), a popular northern Ghanaian dish, sometimes incorporates cow skin to provide a hearty and satisfying element to the meal.
Cultural Significance
The use of cow skin goes beyond its practicality and taste. In Ghanaian culture, consuming cow skin is often associated with strength and resilience, reflecting the qualities of the animal it comes from. It also symbolizes the resourcefulness of Ghanaians, who make the most out of every part of an animal, minimizing waste and maximizing utility.
Ghanaian leather: Preserving Traditions in a Modern World
As Ghana continues to modernize, there is a growing concern about preserving traditional practices. The art of crafting with cow skin and incorporating it into local dishes is part of the nation’s heritage. Efforts are being made to ensure that these skills and practices are passed down through generations, keeping the cultural fabric intact.
Kente clothes
We can witness this similarly, with ancestral craftsmanship techniques such as weaving, kente, or the many other artisanal works that exist in Ghana. It is such traditional practices that we need to ensure are kept alive by the passing on from generation to generation and by giving visibility to the rest of the world. You can read more about top artisanal work in Ghana.
Conclusion
Ghana’s utilization of cow skin as both a crafting material and culinary ingredient showcases its innovative spirit and connection to tradition. From skillful artisans creating leather goods to inventive cooks concocting delectable dishes, cow skin remains a versatile and cherished aspect of Ghanaian culture.
As the nation progresses, maintaining these practices will be key in ensuring that these time-honored traditions continue to thrive.
