Zimbabwe – ZW009A
Composition: Termite Mound Earth
Colour: Brown
Shape: Raw
Sweet, crispy, savoury with the consistency of aerated chocolate.
Muchenje is a clayish sandy earth, moulded by the activities of hodotermes termites. It was obtained in 2021 during the Animal Farm Art Residency and Dzimbanhete Arts & Culture Interactions. The earth was obtained in collaboration with a Zimbabwean artist Kundai Nathan. Hodotermes termites create and damp conical mounds out of earth reach with clay.
Hodotermes tend to gather clay particles for mound construction in Savannas, building the conical mounds on top of soil. They cement the soil particles with salivary secretions and faecal excrements.
People chew muchenje as a soft brownish powder or as pieces of hard biscuits. When chewed it creates the colour of chocolate in the mouth. Affinity with muchenje varies from person to person and can be addictive at times. It is mostly favoured by girls and pregnant women and. Some animals such as elephants enjoy eating Muchenje.
The quality of this product varies from area to area. It has a countrywide distribution in Zimbabwe and its availability is ubiquitous. It is also highly affordable.
Muchenje is known for its medicinal and therapeutic qualities. It is believed to have been the cure to flues, colds as well as stomach ailments. It is also said to be rich in elements such as iron, potassium and calcium.
Source:
● ‘Muchenje’, Museum of Edible Earth, by Kundai Nathan, 2021, the Netherlands (English), accessed on 03/05/2022 museumofedible.earth
it tasted exactly what you would think red clay would taste like! Like the smell of red bricks
This reminds of Brazilian soils. This is childhood taste