A Brief History on ‘Wan’
For Pythagoras (570-490 BCE), numbers were not merely mathematical symbols, but the essence of reality. Intrestingly, the number 1 was not considered a number, this is because the number means plurality and 1 is singular (Stewart, n.d.). Instead, it was described as the ‘Monad’ which can be translated from Ancient Greek as ‘unit’ (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2007). Although in modern day the concept of the ‘monad’ has been given slightly differing nuances in various disciplines such as philosophy, theology, mathematics and the natural sciences. The universal significance of the monad is found in it being the origin of all things. This was determined by Pythagoreans as in their system, where odd numbers were male and even numbers female, the number one could count as neither. Instead, it served as a fundamental building block from which positive numbers and odd numbers alike could be created. Highlighting a profound truth- before anything can be multiple, it must first be one.
Celebrating ‘Wan’ Year
To the potential mathematicians reading this, I ask you to excuse my layman’s understanding of Pythagorean number theory. However, the point of this brief history lesson is this – the Monad is the seed of creation, embodying the potential of all things. Therefore, as we celebrate Sweet Salone’s first anniversary, we shall not talk of past but of potential.
I believe Sweet Salone has the potential to become many things and to do many things.
Already, when I receive messages or read comments, I hear of it connecting people to their culture and enriching their understanding of their heritage. Sierra Leone is not a large country, yet we have a widely dispersed diaspora due to various historical and sociological reasons. This being said, despite the geographical distances, Sweet Salone has been instrumental in bridging the gap, providing a touchstone for those far from home. It does feel slightly cringeworthy to say this about my own book, but I genuinely believe this book has opened doors to new conversations, inspired reflections, and brought people together over shared stories and experiences.
One of the hardest things to have must be an original experience. Therefore, just like me, somewhere in the world there must be one or more people craving Sierra Leonean representation. In our culture, our traditions are shared by word of mouth, so if one is cut off from this, it becomes hard to connect with our heritage. However, Sweet Salone acts as a repository of cultural wealth, ensuring that the stories, traditions, and wisdom of the past remain accessible. Making it a valuable resource for those who long to reconnect with their roots.
As we look forward, in the spirit of the Pythagorean Monad, I hope that Sweet Salone can become the first mover, sparking more discourse on Sierra Leonean and African cuisine as a whole. Sweet Salone has the potential to become a culinary place-maker, setting the stage for a deeper appreciation and understanding of our rich and diverse food traditions. It has the potential to bring down age-old barriers, that make the fine- dining world so unapproachable for so many . In this sense, Sweet Salone has the potential to become much more than a book ; it has the potential to become a message, a milestone, and a movement.
‘Wan’ Message of inclusion
By promoting inclusivity and breaking stereotypes and perceptions associated with African cuisine- both inside and outside of the community. I hope as Sweet Salone grows it can highlight the sophistication and depth of Sierra Leonean dishes, showing that they belong on the global stage alongside other celebrated cuisines. This message of inclusion can inspire chefs and food enthusiasts to explore and embrace the culinary treasures of Africa.
‘Wan’ Milestone in culinary literature
Although this one does feel like a far-off dream. I hope that by one day achieving recognition and sparking interest, Sweet Salone can act as a milestone in culinary literature. Paving the way for more publications that explore under-represented cuisines, thereby enriching the global culinary dialogue and encouraging other authors and chefs to document and share their culinary heritage. Perhaps one day, this collective effort can create a more inclusive and representative body of culinary literature.
‘Wan’ Movement for cultural preservation
Sweet Salone can ignite a movement dedicated to the preservation and innovation of Sierra Leonean cuisine. This movement can encourage the documentation of recipes, culinary techniques, and cultural stories, ensuring they are passed down to future generations. Be it, our technique or our ingredients, Sierra Leone has so much to be shared and appreciated. With influences from various ethnic groups and historical interactions, the culinary traditions of Sierra Leone are rich and varied. By highlighting these diverse influences, Sweet Salone can promote a broader understanding and appreciation of the cultural mosaic that defines Sierra Leone. Afterall, Sweet Salone is a love letter to the country that raised me, if it cannot create a positive impact within Sierra Leone, then in my eyes it has failed.
Charting ‘Wan’ Path forward
As we commemorate this first anniversary, let us embrace the future with optimism and determination. Sweet Salone holds immense potential to influence and inspire and in some ways it already has. So, here’s to a future where Sweet Salone continues to inspire, connect, and celebrate Sierra Leone, becoming a symbol of cultural pride and culinary excellence.
Maria x
References:
Encyclopedia Britannica. (2007). Monad | philosophy. [online] Available at: https://www.britannica.com/topic/monad.
Stewart, I. (n.d.). number symbolism | History, Meaning, & Facts. [online] Encyclopedia Britannica. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/topic/number-symbolism.
‘Wan’ – Krio spelling of the number one