Polishing The Pearls Of Ancient Wisdom.

D.D. Kuupole & DeValera N.Y.M. Botchway

Polishing The Pearls Of Ancient Wisdom

Exploring The Relevance of Endogenous African Knowledge Systems for Sustainable Development in Postcolonial Africa.

Cape Coast, Faculty of Arts UCC, 2010

159pp. 20.00 GHC

978-9988-1-3494-5

The book; “Polishing The Pearls Of Ancient Wisdom; Exploring the Relevance of Endogenous African Knowledge Systems for Sustainable Development in Postcolonial Africa.” by D.D. Kuupole and De-Valera N.Y.M. Botchway, is a small collection of essays compiled at the 2009 conference at University of Cape Coast. The conference was arranged and sponsored by CIKOD (Centre for Indigenous Knowledge and Organizational Development). The essays deal with indigenous knowledge systems (IKS), how they have been lost, discarded and wrongfully discredited. They also deal with the impotence of “western” or euro-centric knowledge in Africa, how it is implictly anti-African, and does nothing but re-enforce cultural dominance over Ghanaians and Africans. Also included, are suggestions on how to rebuild African education, through various methods such as practical application of science, telling of folklore or riddles and by observing past examples such as the formal education/universities of Khmet/Ancient Egypt.

 

 

The first essay presented, is called “Descending the Ivory Tower; Unveiling Khmet’s Legacy in Africa’s Quest For An Afromorphous University” was written by Mr. Botchway himself, and describes an ancient system of education. So called “higher education” is seen as a mostly modern phenomenon, orchestrated by the Catholic church and before that, the Greeks and Persians. It was therefore surprising to me to learn that formal/higher education had existed in Egypt in 2700 BCE, and possible as early as 5660 BCE. These universities were designed to perfect a student intellectually as well as spiritually. They were also the precursor to Greek universities, and therefor European universities.

Botchway also suggests that, in order for students to be integrated in their studies, undergraduate and graduate programs should be concerned with exposing students to indigenous knowledge systems, cosmologies, and daily life in order to allow them to integrate their exogenous knowledge with their endogenous (i.e. “How does what I learn relate to what I know?”)

This essay, though very heavy on the history and dates, provides a good overview of the themes in this book, and on what the authors of the essays intend to achieve.

 

 

The essay by Maison, titled “The Re-Emergence of Ananse” discusses the cultural context in defining what is education and knowledge. Re-quoted from the essay; ” …The genius of Kobina Sekyi defined education as nothing more or less than then training of the young to become worthy members of the community in which they live; it is the training, that is, of the young to maintain the traditions of their elders and ancestors, not by keeping them in a state of rigid conservation, but by reacting to previously unknown combinations of circumstances in the spirit of those traditions. Education, therefore, is the species of the genus training; education, then, is a form of training; but a form of training need not be education.” Maison suggests that the problem with (higher) education in Ghana, is that it is not culturally relevant. The problems that face Ghanaian society cannot be solved when “…the reaction to (Ghanaian) circumstances are in the spirit of (European) traditions…” Ghanaian societal problems can only be solved when the reaction is in the traditional “Ghanaian Spirit” (Ananse). The problem is compounded when the knowledge is lost and even rejected by the youth in favour of European culture. Maison uses a clever analogy; “A dog that learns to hunt, bury bones, to feed himself and his family as a dog, is educated…a dog that learns to stand on its hind legs, were a dress, and dance, that dog is trained….”

The Author also writes a bit about Akan numerology such as; ” Ananse; Anan (four) se (speakes)…Kweku (fourth day of the week)…therefore “Kweku (4) Ananse (4)” equals 8 (8 represents the full cycle/eternity) therefore “Kweku Ananse” represents “Eternal wisdom”

The spider is also called “Kweku Ananse” as he has 8 legs, and “…goes within itself to bring forth its survival – the web which it spins patiently and skilfully based on innate knowledge – self knowledge.” “The spider is usually at the centre of its web giving and indication of a non-hierarchical concentric philosophy.” ” An African university must symbolize Ananse. It is only fear that will prevent it from conceiving and reinventing itself from within. Wisdom is about power. Education empowers. Power as Ananse teaches lies within. It is centred within the consciousness of one’s indigenous world.”

 

 

One of my favourite pieces in the book is by Mary Owusu and Kwame Kwarteng, and is titled “ The Desparacidos” . This essay draws parallels between indigenous knowledge systems of South American Natives and indigenous knowledge systems of Ghana/Africa. The point is made, that such knowledge systems are non-mechanical, but social and people oriented. Knowledge in these societies, is not only available to everyone, but is at the service of everyone, rather than being a proposed method of engineering society by leaders/intellectuals. Knowledge is used as a method to create a worthwhile life, and as a “measuring stick” against ones social, moral, and emotional maturity. Therefore, the purpose of education is to provide instruction, and to encourage healthy character formation.

Native environmentalism is also shown to be a combination of two distinct concepts; environmental curiosity, and environmental concern. Both are complimentary, as is curiosity for achieving short-term objectives ( what to eat, use as shelter etc) where as concern has to do with long-term objectives ( how to maintain a sustainable multi-generational existence in said environment). The method of transmitting such knowledge from generation to generation, is done through the use of taboos and myths. For example, land designated as kyiridade is left alone, and it is forbidden by the community for anyone to cultivate, clear or use. The reason given, is that it is sacred land, or an abode of the Gods, and any trespassing will result in the wrath of the Gods. I would hypothesize, that the world-wide tradition of giving sacrifices to the Gods could have stemmed from this. In my opinion, the reason for sacrifice is two-fold. If one makes a sacrifice of food to the Gods, one is humbling himself to nature, and putting his trust in the Gods to provide. Secondly, if the abode of the Gods happens to be a piece of forest that no-one harvests from, giving a sacrifice, whether in food, animal or human life, is greatly contributing to the fertility of the soil.

The authors also mention the effects of European culture on the forest, and how the large scale monocultures of oil palm, cedrilla, eucalyptus, cocoa etc. have effectively destroyed certain species of plants and animals. The use of High Yield Varieties (HYV), which were pushed so hard by the so-called “Green Revolution” have damaged not only the biodiversity of the forest, but have also contributed to human starvation. The examples given are that of the Oil Palm (Elaeis spp.), and Cassava (Manihot esculenta). Both were developed into High Yielding Varieties, and consequently the agricultural palm nut (Agric abe as opposed to Abe pa) became inedible, as the oil content was a prime importance, and the nutritional profile was ignored. Cassava, also was developed for starch extraction, and no consideration was given to the edibility of the leaves. Consequently, land previously used to grow food, is being used to used to grow inedible exports. Cross-pollination, I am sure also adds to the problem, as edible species may be easily contaminated.

 

 

The essay “The Scientific Basis of Some Elembelle Nzema Indigenous Knowledge Forms” by Douglas Frimpong Nnuroh provides examples of knowledge found within the culture of the Nzema people of south-western Ghana, and how this knowledge has a (western) scientific basis. The author deals with such subjects as “The Amu Child” , wet-nurses, herbal suppressants/lactogenic plants, aphrodisiacs, alcohol distillation and food preservation. The author describes how the use of ritual, prayer, chanting, methods etc. in combination with the use of herbs, prepares the recipient psychologically, emotionally and physically. For example, if a woman dies during labour, a wet-nurse is required. The wet-nurse recites a prayer/vow asking for permission from the deceased and swears to feed the child. Corn dough is then touched to the breast of the deceased, and then to the breast of the nurse, the meal is then eaten. The purpose of this, is to transmit antibodies to the breast, and the contact with the breasts encourages prolactin (also in men) and therefor milk flow. The wet-nurse is now psychologically, emotionally and biologically/physically prepared to feed the child.

 

 

The last three essays in the book, deal more specifically with implementing/re-creating methods to improve education in Ghana. Statistics given show that high school students in Ghana receive appalling results on science based university entrance exams. It is shown that even though students do very well in the recall of knowledge, they lack when it comes to comprehension, analysis, application and synthesis (Blooms Taxonomy of Educational Objectives). The results produced from hands-on, practical learning  demonstrates how to improve the grades of High School science students.

 

 

This book, I found was a good selection of very interesting works, obviously some papers covered some topics that became superfluous the more I read, but this was mostly in the introduction. I believe that if this book were compiled by one author, and the essays used as reference, it would make for a much more concise and easy-reading book. I was happy to find that this book was similar to one of my favourite books to do with Amazonian culture and knowledge systems, and I found it refreshing and encouraging to find African perspectives and expressions on the same topics. I think the resurgence in the popularity of so-called “alternative” medicine and the use of shamanism and shamanic techniques in psychology, is a testament to the efficacy of indigenous knowledge systems, as well as to the short comings of “Western” knowledge.

Reflection.

Strange how much things change. Inside and out. I come back to Vancouver, not only have things changed here, but I realize that with things that haven’t changed, my relation to them has. I didn’t fully grasp what this trip had done for/to me until a few days after getting home. I now feel as though I have a “fierceness” to myself.

 Before leaving, I was content meandering along in life, no real direction other than going back to school, maybe, in September. Get my diploma, go get some experience, start hustling… I had an idea of the travelling I wanted to do in the future, dreams I wanted to live, however I felt I had to make a choice, like I had to choose between say, Ghana, Canada, Gabon, Finland, England…I have potential and the interest of starting things in those places…. Why choose? Why not do it all? Not only do I feel incredibly responsible for the farm project, Ramzy and I were talking about large scale agri-business, the book I bought by De-Valera Botchway has unexpectedly reinvigorated my interest in the ethnobotany/ethnopharmacology of Gabon. The trip to Akosombo made me feel tiny, and ignorant, and extremely curious. I need to read more, learn to play guitar better, play drum better, explore more, learn Fante, grow that delicious pepper I had at Top Choice…I am hungry for life, for knowledge, for experience.

 I did not realize how many doors could be opened, not only with other people, but with myself…and it is all a question of how far down the path I am willing to go. I feel like a hunter, on the trail of many animals. Some might escape if I am too slow, others might run if I am too reckless, but I intend on following all these paths.

 I see all the people that occupied the house. And I have a fear. I look at myself, and I fear I am running out of time. The people involved in all this were so inspirational, in their own ways, and probably without even knowing it (which makes it that much more genuine), that I feel I could be so much better, so much sharper.  All these people are working very hard. All of us are very different, but have ended up under the same roof, working towards the same impossible task.

 Going to Ghana, I think, has given me a sense of purpose. A true understanding of what I can accomplish, which is not as much as I thought. I cannot work 8 hours a day in that sun, but I intend to learn how. In some ways, I am indifferent to the impending collapse of Abusua Foundation, as I know that the ground will keep producing food, and people will keep eating. So for me, the question as to how to “sharpen” myself is really just a question of effort and tolerance.

 A Fante proverb;  “Abe bere a woso fa, meso fa.” “When palm nuts are ripe, what you collect is yours and what I collect is mine.”

Departing Feast

Friday 19

 

Free-ish day, got one last meal at Castle Restaurant, and headed to the office for drumming and dancing lessons. The guys teaching were very patient with us uncoordinated obronis. Taught us some dancing, unfortunately, while dancing barefoot, I lacerated my foot on a piece of glass, and proceeded to bleed everywhere. No big deal though. Went back to the house where Mavis and her friends were cooking us a feast. Kebabs, delicious fish, salad, all kinds of stuff, and everyone was there, even Kwame the guard came inside and danced and ate, and had a couple of drinks. Also, King David showed up, and gave me a shirt that I had ordered. It turned out better than I had expected. Glorious night.

 

Flavours

Thursday 19.

Another early start. Off to Akosombo Dam. Left contact info at the bar for Joseph, should he be interested in farming with Abusua. Jumped in the tro, and went about half a block, so that some people could change some money. Took a while, so Charles and Ramzy jumped out to get food in the meanwhile, I followed and they thoughtfully shared some dried/smoked fish and kenke with me….very strange breakfast, fishy, but not bad. When in Rome…

Money changed, and now off to find some omelettes for the others. Found a lady, who proceeded to make multiple omelette sandwiches with Laughing Cow cheese…Having already eaten, I went to look for some cigarettes, that are notoriously hard to find, even in Accra. So I asked an old man sitting outside a liquor store, and he sent his son/grandson to go fetch me some. Sitting on a corner watching traffic and smoking cigarettes, me and this man talked about history of Ghana, how he’s been in the same spot since he was born (1930), how he used to give tours to U.S. Marines during the war, how the four lanes of traffic used to be one dirt road. Ashley was getting impatient with people, considering we had been offered a private tour of the inner workings of the dam, however we were definitely going to be late, so this didn’t happen. Finally arrived, after a quick stop at a bus station for toilets, and met the guide, who I think, had been waiting for us. He was very clear about the rules, paying attention, were to stand etc. I think he was slightly frustrated with us, but he gave us a good tour of the dam.

Left, after taking multiple pictures, in multiple places, and headed to Top Choice Restaurant. The surrounding neighbourhood looked quite modern, and well maintained. My observation was right, as I was informed that because of the dam, the Government had invested lots into local infrastructure. At Top Choice, I finally had the chance to eat fufu. With groundnut soup, of course. There was also a delicious chill pepper…looked like a yellow Habanero, so I was a bit careful of it, had a nibble and was not expecting. It had a delicious flavour. Not just hot, but a flowery, herbal, lavender-cilantro-citrus flavour that I had never experienced in my life. Truly delicious. I think it is sad that my previous definition of a pepper was just hot or sweet. It seems that our market is quite limited, as the producers/breeders for the N.A. market are only growing peppers for size/yield, sugar content, and hotness. I have realized that they are quite boring

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Gifts of Mysteries to Remove Mountains etc.

Wednesday 18

 

Early start. Ashley was on the ball. Didn’t pack, so I’m glad she woke us early. Headed to Accra, to do some touristy things, Kwame Nkrumah museum, which was grand. I really liked the selection of trees/plants…all were very unique, as I believe most of them were gifts from visiting dignitaries. A mango tree from Nasser (I seem to remember). The guide was very nice and knowledgeable about the history…however, one comment he made about Nkrumah, which I thought was strange was how he mentioned that Kwame was “improved” and “educated” outside of Ghana/Africa and how he essentially said that it was Western/European education that allowed him to liberate Ghana. This reminded me of another comment made by the guide of the military museum in Kumasi, about tribal markings/scarification, and how he referred to them as “savage practices” that are technically banned. I believe the Ghanaian word that is appropriate here, hopefully not an insult, is “Abroba” or “Abrofo ba” I found this attitude kind of disappointing.

 Also, that day, we went to Makola market. The art market, that is full of male vendors, who were incredibly aggressive. Had more kenke with groundnut at the restaurant there. Didn’t buy anything besides a shirt, and some jewellery….kind of turned off by the relentless hustling, highballing and guilt-tripping of the vendors. 

Headed to a childrens library/school, and read and hung out with the kids. Had one guy read me “Cliffords Snow Day” which I though was funny, considering he probably had no idea what snow was. Played tic-tac-toe, and found a book on traditional remedies/home remedies, which I showed to the kid, and tried to explain what it was about. 

 Checked into The Rising Phoenix Hotel, grabbed dinner that was delicious, and talked to the barflies and rasta that were shooting pool and selling things. Later on, we were invited down to the beach by some rasta. Talked about life, farming, politics, meditation, Jah Rastafari, music…everything.

I explained to one guy called Joseph that I was there to farm, and to help the locals farm/sell produce. He seemed impressed and interested, so I gave him the contact for Ramzy/Abusua…I think the youth in the city are sort of dismayed at the state of their lives, unemployment…I mean, lets face it, these guys spend all day on the beach, smoking ganja, selling ganja, selling handmade jewelry, playing music, dancing, teaching music and dancing, begging…anything to make some cedes.

I explained to Joseph that if you know about plants, all you need is dirt, in theory, to feed yourself. He said “Well, you still need fertilizer, pesticides” so I asked “Who fertilizes the forest? Who uses pesticide in the forest?” “Nobody. The forest takes care of itself, fertilizes itself, maintains itself, because, unlike humans that plant rows and rows of corn, or cassava, the forest mixes plants. So, you must make a forest from food plants…nature has shown us how to survive, you do not need to go to school to learn this, all you need to do is watch nature, and follow nature. Nature is a higher power than man. You must align with this power. This is Jah Power.”  “Jah is wonderful” he says.

Moringa oleifera

 

Monday 16

Went to the farm with Amber. Didn’t realize it would be my last day, as Tuesday, Amber had to write a letter to Simon. Made good use of the day though. Did some more exploring, and went out to find some places to plant Moringa (Moringa oleifera) trees. I read that they like well drained soil, but nutrients as well…more difficult than it sounds, finding the right conditions. So, I figured to plant them on hill tops with a good amount of mulch. Marked them with sticks to make sure they aren’t weeded. The plan is to grow a couple of trees, to provide shade, leaves (edible), Pods (edible), Seeds (edible), Bark (medicinal) Roots (edible in small amounts) and flowers (edible). Also, we are doing a plot of Moringa, that will never become mature trees, but will provide greens readily. The trees that we plant will also provide cuttings to propagate more Moringa, without having to buy or collect seeds.

 

 

Kumasi

Saturday. 14th

Early start. Woke up in a good mood surprisingly. 4 hours later we arrive in Kumasi, and head to a military museum. Good tour. Lots of history, friendly guide. Headed to the palace after that was beautiful. Don’t think the guide liked us too much though. Glorious jewellery. Looked through his book shelf…good selection. Life of Mahatma Ghandi, lots of (western) classics, and studies on pan-africanism. Went to the market. This was glorious. Absolutely insane. Everything you could possibly want to buy all in one place. Didn’t find any juju stuff. Got some groundnut soup with banku (I am going to miss it). Me, Amber and Elise all indulged in it with the locals who were all staring at us, but were friendly and excited to show us the procedure. A huge bowl for 1 cede. Delicious. Got back in our tro. Amber, Bevan and Ashley stayed the night at a lake resort, which I am slightly jealous of. On our way back, we hit a taxi, and then a bat. Luckily the only injury was to the bat.

Sickness/Love

Friday.13th

Tried to head out to the farm, but went to the health talk instead in the hopes of helping to sort out the deal with the little girl. No luck for us. Turns out the people thought we were trying to kidnap her, and so they were keeping her hidden. After Su and Micheal, Su, who is doing her Phd in Clinical psych, and Micheal doing an undergrad in psych went to the girls house, they calmed down and trusted them. Fair enough. Headed to the market also in Agana. Went back home, cleaned up and went to the tailor to get a couple of shorts made. Walked down to the kebab man (men) by Charles’ place, sat under the tree and enjoyed my goat kebab. Headed out that night. Andy and Christines last night, but had to be a relatively early one… didn’t happen for some of us haha.

 

I realized how much I love where I am from. I was sitting on the beach at Oasis Club, talking to Andy about the future, and how he was saying that he loves Ghana, and wants to set up a life here, but how he also wants to keep travelling and exploring. I suggested he come visit B.C.; how its relaxed, clean, lots of outdoor stuff to do, and how I honestly believe that it is one of the greatest places on Earth. Justin joined us, and was asked what he thought about B.C. and his answer was the same as mine, which Andy seemed to be impressed by. I really enjoy Ghana, and I know I am going to miss it, even though 3.5 weeks is just enough time to get settled. Ghanaians, I have noticed, love their country, and express this love of their country by showing visitors its beauty. This is why I am going to miss Ghana. As a visitor it is easy to start looking at what is different and what is bothering you. This train of thought usually leads to frustration, paranoia, and disdain for the host country. The hospitality and the genuine love that Ghanaians show to their country made it easy for me to see the beauty of the situation I was in, and made it easier to interact with people, get comfortable in my surroundings, as I now have a insight into what these people value

Moonshine

Thursday 12th

Went to the farm. Tough soil, broke a shovel. Just me, Bev and Andy working, plus Emannuel, Gemma, and Gemma’s friend. They were cooking and made some delicious stew with cassava. Emannuel also collected to grubs from a palm tree, which he said were delicious. Headed home around 2. Wanted to head to market, so me and Beverly met up with Eman, and Charles and drove into town, after first stopping by the kebab man to get him to cook the grubs for Charles. Ramzy gave me a piece of goat kebab, which I have to say, is the best so far. Charles was right, that this guy is the best. Not all kebabs are created equal.

In the morning, I walked to the well to grab some water, to plant some Moringa seeds. Smelt smoke…so I walked down the path, passed the well and over to the still set-up, and sure enough, the man was there, at 11 in the morning making moonshine/palm whisky. I had been shown his set-up by Amber on the first day of work, but never seen it in operation. So I walked over (with machete) and said hello. He came down the hill from harvesting corn, said hello, and I asked about his still, and informed him of the snake over by the well…This took a while to explain, but he grabbed a stick and walked over there, and I showed him, and he started poking around in the bush. Kind of wish I bough some whisky…

 

New methods.

Tuesday the 10th.

 

Went to the Agana, to a town meeting that was supposed to be a workshop on how to write a business plan. Hoping that the town youth would show up. Too optimistic, as nobody showed up. Instead what happened was a group of 6 guys sat around and got a private lesson on how to. Good for them. They got something worthwhile I believe.

 

After, me, Amber and Beverly went for a walk around the community in order to ask some of youth why they weren’t interested in being entrepreneurs. Amber gave a very inspiring talk, I was inspired, but these guys, I guess, were content selling sheet metal and hanging around, so we kept going and I suggested that we go and talk to the preacher man. So we walked up to the church and found the man and he gave us he time of day and listened to us and made good suggestions as he held a sort of observational position within the community. He told us that we should come by on a Sunday after mass and talk to the youth that attended mass. He said he gets about 40 each week, which we thought was great. I realized that we had been going about this in the complete wrong way. We had been trying to set up our own social network, and then trying to get a message through this social network that we had created. It occurred to me that the church was already a social network, and that we had to integrate ourselves into this, before we could even consider giving a message. Like a water pipe, if you start drilling holes in the pipe, and put water through the holes, yes, it may work, but it will leak, and sooner or later the pipe will be destroyed. The trick is to find the opening of the pipe, and then you can get the water through without having to worry about leaking. There was already a social network in place, and all we had to do was find the opening…

 

We met up with Andy, Christine, Shannon and Bevan after talking to the preacher, and who I believe had just talked to the family of a mentally handicapped street girl. They learned that this girl did not have a name, as she did not speak. He mother was also crazy, and this girl had obviously been abused and traumatized her whole life. I think they are planning on getting her into a psychiatric hospital, and getting her some help. We realized that this girl was probably not autistic, as we had previously thought, but that she was probably feral having been in “survival mode” most of her life. She went around picking up rocks and rolling them in her t-shirt/dress. I walked around and found the prettiest ones I could and gave them to her. Wrapped some cigarette foil around them and gave them to her. I don’t think anyone has ever given her anything in her life, really. I mean, I gave her an egg the other day, but after eating it, she was beaten by the other kids. Dr. Charles gave her some money, and she sprinted away to buy food. Obviously she knew what would happen. She followed us around and had people yelling at her to leave us alone…Good day, rough though. What I though was going to be a write off of a day, turned out to be pretty productive.

 

Went home after, wanted to go to the market, so had a shower, made a pair of shorts out of jeans, and headed to Koto Craba to get some fabric. Was hoping to get Bevan to show me where the seamstress/tailor was but he had writing to do. So I went alone to the market, got what I wanted and went for a good walk. Got lost. Kept going up hills in order to get a vantage point to see if I could recognize where I was. Finally decided to ask for directions, found my way to Baobab house, and had 2 avocado sandwiches, tofu kebabs, and some super spicy ginger juice. Got yelled at for having a cigarette. Caught a cab back to science, got my hair cut and a razor part put in it. Slick.