Monuments to visit Pya

Mostly a women's activity, traditional pottery is made entirely by hand. Women use their hands to sculpt the clay into the desired shape. Once the clay has been sculpted, the pottery is dried in the sun, then fired on the ground. The products are mainly utilitarian items, which are then sold at nearby markets. The women have formed a group and use the tontine system (microcredit). They display and sell their products in their small store.

This monument was erected in memory of the indigenous people who fought the French colonizers with simple bows and arrows and died for the independence of Togo on June 21, 1957. Since 2021, this day has been declared a holiday, with pay, throughout the country. It is now known as Martyrs' Day. Commemorations are held in the country. The grid surrounding the monument is decorated with traditional swords with which these indigenous people were armed.

There are several markets held almost every day in and around the city of Pya. Pya-Hodo, Tcharé (very nice, and lively from 2pm) on Mondays; Pya, Kouméa, Tchitchao on Fridays. You can find a little bit of everything, from vegetables to dog meat, from cereals to loincloths. In some cases, you will have to negotiate prices. The market in Tcharé is famous for its items made by the blacksmiths of Wiyamdé and the potters of Tcharé. The late morning is perfect for strolling through these markets and soaking up the local atmosphere.

Starting from the observation that traditional Kabye life is being lost, this local initiative has set itself the mission of restoring the traditional Kabye habitat and ancestral way of life. On site, there are several guides to make the visit. Count on about 1 hour of walking through the mud huts, covered with straw roofs. The guide will explain to you how daily life is organized in Kabyé country, the customs and traditions. It is possible to make a short hike, offering a superb panorama on the hill.