Cultural Insights of Liberia

 Cultural Insights of Liberia


    To know about a place, a nation, and a people you must learn and become aware of their culture. Culture is defined in a variety of ways but despite its varieties and variations, it's very specific in terms of identity. For Liberia, their name bears the memorial of their liberation achieved by their ancestors. Their name comes from the common English word, "liberty", and refers to their history as being a free colony of African repatriates in the 19th century. To this day, they are known as the oldest republic in Africa. In reclaiming their freedom, they declared English as their native language. English is taught in Liberian academia as their official learning language. English is even heard in the music of Liberia as well as other indigenous languages just like their general predominant language dynamic. While Engish makes up 20% of their linguistic demographic they blend effectively with other indigenous languages. This is largely based upon the influence of westernized culture more specifically the United States. 

   Due to their influence from the United States, Christian music is very popular throughout Liberia; so much so that it eclipses Islamic nasheeds. Aside from Christian music, rap and HiLife hold popular precedence in Liberia. While Liberia is greatly influenced by the United States, its musical tastes and styles still contain African authenticity. Though its music is distinctive from other West African musical traditions, Liberia's musical tradition is laced with the familiar sound of percussion instruments. The drum, while expansive in variety, is primarily heard in celebratory settings such as weddings, holidays, graduations, and christenings (best-country.com, 2019). Then, the Saassaa is used, becoming the second most popular instrument heard throughout all mainstream music in Liberia. While their music is used for entertainment, it is also used to awaken the social consciousness of society to an awareness of a wide variety of issues. 

    

                                                       Monrovian Drummer  

   Liberia is also known for its unique artworks. Its most notable pieces include decorative masks, eating utensils, combs, and sculptures that depict different aspects of human civilization and African culture and society. Many of these artistic articles are that which we often see in art, historical, and cultural museums. Liberian art even reflects this dichotomous nature between their ancestral roots and American influence. The wooden sculptures and masks reflect their ancient Liberian heritage rooted in folklore, philosophy, and spirituality. Then, they have even personalized quilts derived from American influence. 

                
    
    Liberia's culture, along with music and art, had a rich background in literature. Until the 19th century, Liberia had no literary tradition. After the 19th century, Liberians produced literature that transcended a variety of genres that included religion, folklore, philosophy (ancient Liberian proverbs), and cultural aesthetics. Since then, Liberia has been featured and profiled in magazines and novels widely ranging from topics like culture, Pan-Africanism, human rights, and various social issues. Though it has made public cameos through a social context, poetry has become the popular form of literature in Liberia. Many Liberian authors have found poetic styles of writing the most comfortable way of conveying their own thoughts and ideas.  

   Beyond academics and arts, Liberia even has made an impact on the appetite. In Liberia, their major food staples include rice, hot peppers, fufu, and a favorite called palava sauce. Palava sauce is often made up of okra leaves, dried meats/fish, and palm oil. Rice, in Liberia, is eaten nearly every day and even made into a culinary favorite called Jollof which is made up of chicken or beef and vegetables. Then there is a popular which is commonly cultural among indigenous Africans called Fufu. Fufu is also called dumboy which is a pasty starch made from rice, plantain, cassava, corn, or yams. Fufu is normally to be swallowed and eaten with spicy soup. 

Word Count: 623


Bibliography: 

  • Best-country: Culture of Liberia. World Travel Guide: Best Country. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2021, from https://www.best-country.com/en/africa/liberia/traditions.  

  • Liberia - history, and culture. Adventure Tourism - Experiential Travel Guides. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2021, from https://www.iexplore.com/articles/travel-guides/africa/liberia/history-and-culture.

  • Liberia facts and culture. CountryReports. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2021, from https://www.countryreports.org/country/Liberia/facts.htm. 

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