In brief
The UN has officially recognized attiéké, a cherished dish from Ivory Coast made from fermented cassava, as an integral part of humanity's cultural heritage. Traditionally prepared by women, attiéké is enjoyed alongside grilled fish and holds deep cultural connections across generations. Its UNESCO recognition underscores the importance of preserving such culinary traditions.
Ivory Coast’s beloved staple food attiéké, commonly served with grilled fish, has officially earned a place on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage. This dish, pronounced as "atchekay," is a couscous-like food made using fermented cassava flour. Many Ivorians have attiéké as a regular part of their meals, enjoying it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. With roots tracing back centuries to the coastal regions of the country, attiéké's popularity has expanded throughout West Africa.The announcement was made during the 19th session on safeguarding intangible cultural heritage held in Paraguay, with Ivory Coast’s UNESCO representative, Ramata Ly-Bakayoko, emphasizing attiéké's integral role in the lives of its communities. This dish is not only a culinary highlight but is also a cultural symbol, often served at significant life events such as weddings and funerals.Producing attiéké is a lengthy process, traditionally carried out by women and girls. The preparation involves peeling, grating, and fermenting cassava, followed by several days of careful processing. Consequently, there is a rich legacy tied to its production, with skills passed down through generations, reinforcing the cultural identity of the Ivorian people.UNESCO’s recognition came at a time when the significance of attiéké has been a subject of contention, particularly following a controversy in 2019 over a foreign win at an agricultural show. To protect the cultural integrity of attiéké, the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization has instituted a collective trademark to ensure that only cassava from Ivory Coast can be marketed under that name. This acknowledgment not only celebrates attiéké as a crucial aspect of Ivorian culture but also emphasizes the importance of safeguarding traditional practices across the globe.
