PALAVA HUT

Colossians 4:6 Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.

You may be wondering, “What is a Palava Hut?” In Liberia, a palava hut (or palaver hut) is the town’s meeting place. It is a place where guests are welcome, differences are settled, issues are resolved, and communication takes place.

The word, “palaver”, used as a verb, basically means “to communicate”. Palaver is not an African word, but comes from Pidgin English (which brought words from French and Portuguese). Palaver comes from “parlez vous”, and is used in the Far East as well. It can mean idle talk, or to gain insight from open discussion. In Liberia, a palaver is often a disagreement, but at its core, it describes two or more people acting together.

In many tribal villages, the only building other than dwellings is the “palaver hut,” which serves as the town hall for resolving issues. In the cities, the palaver hut has been used decoratively, somewhat like a gazebo, and symbolically as describing a town-hall type event.

The palaver hut is usually, but not always, a circular structure constructed of clay and bamboo or wood with a high roof made of thatch supported by posts. Its wall is only waist-high so that those standing outside can see and hear as well as those seated inside. That way, no one is left out. The elders of the town sit and discuss or “palaver” village concerns, as well as acting as a court for disputes. It is the center of village life, and drums, hammocks, and hunting trophies are often found. It is a place to settle differences, and also is the place where guests are welcome.

Blogs are the 21st century palava huts. The ELWA Palava Hut is a perfect name for a place for a dialogue about Liberia, and ELWA and its community in particular. Everyone can be heard, and visitors are welcome. Join us as we celebrate our heritage, and hope for the future.

Isaiah 1:18
“Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.

I Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.