Regula Tschumi social anthropologist photographer

Multifunctional metal bowls

Metal bowls are omnipresent in Ghana. Market women mainly use them to transport or store their goods. However, these vessels are sometimes used in completely different and creative ways. For instance, head porters sometimes use their bowls to take a break from work. Then they sit or even sleep in them. When carried over the head, the metal bowls become improvised helmets that can protect the wearer from the hot sun or heavy rain. Children, on the other hand, like to play with empty bowls. When held in front of the body, these metal vessels can also turn into protective shields, behind which market women and children sometimes hide.