Public Face of Islam in Kumasi
By Gracia Clark
At Work
One of the ways the Muslim community becomes visible to Kumasi residents is when Muslims practice one of the occupations associated with prominent ethnic groups among the Muslims there. Such ethnic specialities are commonplace within the informal economy, where kinship and ethnic loyalty often govern training opportunities, credit and trading partnerships. For example, the trade in smoked fish is dominated and led by Fante women, since the majority of smoked fish sold in Kumasi originates in their coastal homeland. Fante women are also renowned bread bakers, reflecting the coast's early exposure to Portuguese baking methods and the continuing high demand for ship’s bread to restock ships from many nations for their return voyages.
Traders in produce that grows better or animals that survive better in the Northern savannah or dry plains reflect the ethnic composition of these source areas. Many domestic animals, including cattle, sheep and chickens, tend to sicken in in the damp forest environment, so they are raised in quantity in the drier regions north of Kumasi. Live chickens are trucked to Kumasi from the Upper East Region in specially woven baskets, brought and bought by traders whose ethnic experience gives them expertise in caring for chickens and judging their quality. Meyer Fortes, an early ethnographer of the Tallensi in this region, mentions parents giving very small children a chick or two to raise for themselves, in order to develop their sense of responsibility and work ethic. Other Northern ethnic groups bring regional products, such as shea nut butter, kapok for pillows and mattresses, wool blankets, rice, mangoes and peanuts. Hausas continue to dominate the lucrative trade in kola nuts, much in demand in Nigeria, and they bring cattle on foot to Kumasi, herding them in the vicinity to fatten them before slaughter. Their Yoruba compatriots, also Muslims, partner with them as butchers and meat sellers.
Traders in produce that grows better or animals that survive better in the Northern savannah or dry plains reflect the ethnic composition of these source areas. Many domestic animals, including cattle, sheep and chickens, tend to sicken in in the damp forest environment, so they are raised in quantity in the drier regions north of Kumasi. Live chickens are trucked to Kumasi from the Upper East Region in specially woven baskets, brought and bought by traders whose ethnic experience gives them expertise in caring for chickens and judging their quality. Meyer Fortes, an early ethnographer of the Tallensi in this region, mentions parents giving very small children a chick or two to raise for themselves, in order to develop their sense of responsibility and work ethic. Other Northern ethnic groups bring regional products, such as shea nut butter, kapok for pillows and mattresses, wool blankets, rice, mangoes and peanuts. Hausas continue to dominate the lucrative trade in kola nuts, much in demand in Nigeria, and they bring cattle on foot to Kumasi, herding them in the vicinity to fatten them before slaughter. Their Yoruba compatriots, also Muslims, partner with them as butchers and meat sellers.