THE HEROINES CRY !

The kneading of clay,

the crackle of fire at dawn,

the old smoke wafting from the chimney,

and the endless bustle of a group of older,

yet valiant women making their mark in the preservation and continuity of the age-old tradition of pottery practice in the Afari community,

a town nestled between Kumasi and Nkawie in the Atwima Nwabiagya District of the Ashanti Region of Ghana.

It was all love and joy until they were struck by a dilapidated kiln, coupled with the many occupational hazards that come with their age – an unrest that plagues their minds day and night,

worrying about passing down this precious inheritance to a younger generation that seems less and less interested.

Despite the shattered kiln and uncertainties surrounding the future of this practice, the significance of the craft, the nomenclature of tools and their functions, and the beauty of each piece embody the beauty of cultural preservation, infused with ancestral knowledge that runs deep within them,

coupled with their remarkable resilience. They have consistently demonstrated their ability to withstand challenges by improvising and adapting, using readily available resources to keep the flame alive. For them, this is more than just a practice or a source of livelihood – it’s a tradition passed down through generations, an inheritance they’ve safeguarded from loss and destruction until now.

Are we going to sit back and watch the crackle of fire fade, the scent of old smoke that once filled the air disappear, witness bricks crumble, clay go to waste, skills fade away, and our cultural heritage and legacy slowly disintegrate into dust? What becomes of these heroines, their passion, resilience, and source of livelihood? Will the uncertainties about the future of this practice continue to weigh heavily on their weary bodies and minds?