Ivory Coast's cherished dish, attiéké, made from fermented cassava, has been honored with UNESCO's designation as an intangible cultural heritage. This beloved food, often referred to as "Ivorian couscous," is an essential part of daily life, frequently enjoyed at all meals and particularly paired with grilled fish. Originally from the coastal regions of Ivory Coast, attiéké has transcended borders and is well-known throughout West Africa.
During the 19th session on safeguarding cultural heritage in Paraguay, Ramata Ly-Bakayoko, Ivory Coast’s delegate to UNESCO, emphasized that attiéké is "deeply rooted in the daily lives of its communities." This latest recognition adds attiéké to a prestigious list alongside Japanese sake, which also gained cultural heritage status this year. In addition to being a staple at cultural celebrations, such as weddings and funerals, attiéké is a vital economic resource, empowering many women who traditionally craft the dish over several days through a meticulous process.
The preparation involves peeling and grating cassava, mixing it with previously fermented cassava, then pressing it to extract starch, drying, and finally steaming it. The final product is sold in local markets, often in plastic bags containing individual servings. Beyond its culinary appeal, attiéké serves as a vital cultural link across generations, with recipes and preparation methods passed down from mothers to daughters, as highlighted by Ms. Ly-Bakayoko.
UNESCO's inclusion of attiéké on its list signifies the urgency in safeguarding practices that risk fading into obscurity. The recognition underscores attiéké's cultural and collective human significance. However, its status has not been without controversy; a notable incident occurred in 2019 when an award presented to a different national’s attiéké maker sparked anger among Ivorians. Concerns over authenticity led the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization to secure a collective trademark for Ivorian cassava-based products, further solidifying attiéké's standing as a symbol of national pride akin to that of champagne in France.
