I was lucky enough to be taken to a ceremony celebrating the return of a boy who has been circumcised to his family home. Just enjoy the 'difference' of this, with the monsters, drummers, procession, and dancing, as I did.
One really nice thing about this for me was that I was always aware in The Gambia of the difference in wealth, and whilst people were genuinely friendly to me, as they were to each other, it was also always clear I represented potential income. I didn't find that comfortable. But at the festival the tradition is that everyone gives money to the family of the boy, to the musicians, dancers, and monster. And everyone was taking pictures. Once I understood that I felt much more relaxed.
If you don't look at anything else, watch the last video of the women dancing - and in the midst of difference you'll see people being people just like we are everywhere :)
Below: the circumcised buy, now healed, about to walk home. Karum to his right is the person who took me to the festival.
One really nice thing about this for me was that I was always aware in The Gambia of the difference in wealth, and whilst people were genuinely friendly to me, as they were to each other, it was also always clear I represented potential income. I didn't find that comfortable. But at the festival the tradition is that everyone gives money to the family of the boy, to the musicians, dancers, and monster. And everyone was taking pictures. Once I understood that I felt much more relaxed.
If you don't look at anything else, watch the last video of the women dancing - and in the midst of difference you'll see people being people just like we are everywhere :)
Below: the circumcised buy, now healed, about to walk home. Karum to his right is the person who took me to the festival.
The monster emerges, and has water spat on him. Remember how hot and humid it is. The water spraying is somewhat essential.
Led by the monster (harassing cars), we process down the street, followed by the mainly children banging drums and singing, until we turn onto the dirt paths of the compounds.
The monster harasses people, but makes a happy keening sound if you pin DL to it's chest.
Outside of the family's compound a group forms, and dance for hours. I love the fun the women are having, their braggado, laughter, and joy for each other. In something very different I can see the universal human experience. Much :)
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