In the heart of the vibrant city of Kumasi, Ghana, lies the Yaa Asantewaa Museum, a treasure trove of Asante history and culture. Among its fascinating exhibits stands an old British 75mm Field Gun, manufactured by the Parry-Martin Company. This relic from the past holds a unique place in Asante folklore, symbolizing the fusion of cultures and the resilience of a people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Parry-Martin Company, a merger of two American firms, the Parry Manufacturing Company and the Martin Truck and Body Corporation, produced this artillery piece. Its trademark inscription, “Parry-Martin,” adorned the gun, which was ceremoniously fired at 12 noon every day. This daily boom marked midday, echoing across Kumasi and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up in Kumasi and later at Atwedie in Asante Akyem, I remember my grandmother’s response whenever someone mentioned the time was 12 noon or shortly after. “Pr\u025bmoo ato,” she would say with a knowing smile. It was a signal to start preparing the evening meal, a tradition deeply ingrained in Asante culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But “Pr\u025bmoo ato” wasn’t merely a phrase; it was an adaptation of the British Gun’s name, “Parry-Martin.” In the Twi language, people referred to the gun as “Parry-Martin Tuo no ato,” connecting it directly to the tradition of firing at noon. “Tuo no ato” translates to “strike at noon,” encapsulating the essence of the daily ritual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n