My Family Culture

If a major catastrophe  devastated  the infrastructure of my country (God  forbid  it) and I had to relocate permanently to  another host country with only three items to take  it would be the most awkward situation to be  in  because limiting oneself to one change of clothes and three  small items would  be more traumatizing. However, In order to survive sometimes one has to get out of a dilemma tic dream land and face the reality,

            Three items I would take that I hold dear to my heart and represents my family culture would be: The “Kaba attire”: This is a beautiful decorated fabric with colors and patterns. It is a free wear that could be used in any occasion. It brings out the dignity and respect of the woman in my society. This would be among my clothes to stay connected with my culture and identity. Others would identify me with the kaba daily.

The first most important item would be a mini album that we cherish as a family. This has a collection of my great grand parents and the first pages have a recapitulation of the family tree and lineage. This would help me stay connected with information and of course pictures of entire family members dear to me. The second item I would like to take would be a jewelry box that contains precious fine jewelry and necklace that was customized by my great grandmother. Some of the jewelries are preciously decorated with beautiful colorful beads and gems, and ornaments which cannot be easily found today. These are traditionally called “jikidas” During traditional marriage I was made to wear them after I was adorned with cam wood and it is kind of a continuation of my matrilineal heritage and   most valued treasure.

Last but not the least item to take would be a small decorated basket an example of the cultural heritage of the Menchum ethnic group in the North West region of Cameroon. It has a lid made of the same material and decorated that is given to every Aghem girl who gets married as a sign of responsibility and motherhood. It has two beautiful cowries that represent a husband and wife then other cowries around the bottom of the basket that represent children and other family members.   The decorated basket symbolizes the hospitality of welcoming anyone who comes to the home when you least expected and the idea of always keeping some food in the basket for strangers who might knock at your door hungry Thus, a constant reminded to the woman as a cultivator and nurturer to her family and community.

However, if upon arrival I were asked to give up two other items it would be disheartening but I would relinquish the basket because it is for every girl in my particular society with the hope that eventually it could be replaced. What would be more difficult to let go would be the “jikidas” and the album because these two are personal family treasures. I guess I would have to plead with the host country to keep it.

In conclusion, I would say that family ties are made more meaningful with family treasures that have been handed down from grandparents. It makes one feel connected to the ancestors through handed down relics. Therefore, parting with such items can be very daunting. I feel like letting go is dehumanizing me from who I am, and from what defines my personality.