A
typical village homestead will not have a "kitchen" inside the main
house, instead it will have a designated area outside. The structure, or structures
is the heart of the kitchen area, with outside spaces being utilized.
The
purpose is to have a fire going and being protected from the rain and wind.
This area is the social setting for the women of the homestead. Girls helping
mothers get water, fire wood, preparing inshima.
The
amount of enclosure for insakas are cultural issue. For many it is the way things
have been done and so it is continued. The availability of materials also plays
into this fact. The amount of enclosure is also determined by climatic factors,
some areas my be quite windy and a wall is needed to guard against wind.
Amount
of enclosure
Open:
Enclosed:
A
wall (made of brick or poles and mud) is built to a height of 1.3 m. This gives
ample protection from the wind as well.
Poles
are use to support a thatched roof. Protection from rain and sun, but is not
protected from wind. The most basic of shelter.
A
wall is constructed to a height where it meets the roof structure thus completely
enclosing the space. Small openings are provided to allow for ventilation and
allow smoke to escape.
Poles
are laid across the top of the structure. Planks are also added if available.
This creates a shelf of sorts which utensils and dry goods are stored. The bark
on the poles are taken off and treated with old motor oil to prevent ants, mice,
rats and termites climbing up or eating the structure.
Examples
Of:
The
following pictures are just a few examples of what a cooking insaka looks like.
There exist may variations off of simple shapes.
Back
to Insakas
The
fire and work area is protected from wind and rain allowing the fire to burn.
