Batammaliba Architectural Style

[Maya Marcy and Derek Ramirez] The Batammaliba are a Neolithic tribe located in Togo, Africa. They pride themselves on building circular clay homes that are still around today, and continue to be built by the community. There is no doubt that these homes are integral and important to the Batammaliba, as they are built with care and are constantly maintained. However, the way they cherish their home does raise some important questions; What does the home of the Batammaliba - the architecture and the personalized style - say about their people and their identity as a whole? What underlying meaning is behind the Batammaliba architectural decisions? [Maya Marcy] In the beginning of the year we learned that the home of the Batammaliba was a sacred …show more content…
In order to begin the construction of the house, they have a professional, sometimes referred to as “The Earth Priest”, survey the grounds to determine whether or not it will be suitable for the family or individual (Blier 24). Once it is determined to be an appropriate spot, there is then a professional that will build the home for them. In fact, the name Batammaliba translates to “those who are the real architects of the Earth” (Blau 529). After the home is built, it is then up to the woman of the family to continue the upkeep of the home, which includes greasing the floors annually to protect from any rainwater that may collect (Blier 64). This hands-on process of assessing the land and building and maintaining the home all by hand is likely where the tribe got their name. It is clear that the home is very powerful and meaningful to them, with so much care going into every detail of the …show more content…
Often the Batammaliba used symbols like these to please Kuiye, and on some occasions “freshly harvested sorghum are offered to the horns to thank Kuiye” (Blier 88). This is yet more evidence that Kuiye is strongly associated with nourishment and abundance for the Batammaliba, and therefore deeply rooted into the identity of the people as a whole. In addition to the horns, several houses also have clay mounds underneath the horns that are surrounded by feathers. This is believed to also represent good harvest and fertility (Blier 88). And on top of that there is also the tabote, or “house hole” that, like most of the other architectural nods to Kuiye, is associated with the east-west pattern that is repeatedly seen. The holes purpose is to let in light, which shines directly into the cattle room at noon (Blier 88). This light is said to speak to the elder’s spirit, whose shrines are located below the tabote. It is almost as if every architectural decision of the Batammaliba directly correlates to an integral part of their identity, and additionally, a reference to