Wolof Culture in West African States Essay

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Describe in detail wrestling in Senegal

Wrestling is one of the traditional aspects embedded in the Senegalese culture. Wrestling is highly practiced in West African states. In Senegal, traditional wrestling is commonly referred to as “Lamb.” In Senegal, wrestling has a rich history. The Wolof people form close to two-fifths of the Senegalese population. Wrestling among the Senegalese communities was practiced during community events such as at the time of harvesting.

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During the wrestling, the wrestlers were to face their contestants in a tussle that was to be decided in organized fights. Essentially, the winner of the contest was the one who was able to wrestle his opponent to the ground. This contest was also critical in determining the strength of men. Also, the village champions were identified through such contests.

When Senegal was under colonial rule, wrestling was conducted in the bush. However, the French were critical in organizing official wrestling contests. When Senegal gained independence, wrestling became professional and was conducted in an organized manner. However, wrestling was not refined, and the wrestlers were allowed to hit their opponents without any rules. Other contestants could scratch their opponents using fingernails. Others used their teeth to bite opponents during a contest.

Over time, wrestling in Senegal has adopted rules to guide the contest. In this case, strict rules have been adopted to safeguard the wrestlers. Nonetheless, there are two forms of wrestling in Senegal. In the first one, strikes are allowed during wrestling. In the other form, the contestants are prohibited from striking the opponents. This is normally referred to as traditional wrestling and is the most popular. In this form of wrestling, the contestants aim to floor their opponents.

During a wrestling contest, the participants arrive in the company of their supporters, advisors, and close confidants. The close confidants were often referred to as the “thimoukays”. They were messengers between the wrestlers and marabouts. The marabouts were associated with mystical items that aided the wrestlers in their contests. The marabouts prepared concoctions such as the “sarafans”. The wrestlers used the concoctions to guide them. The wrestlers had to follow the guidelines that the marabout provided. The “safaris” served to give the wrestlers mettle, dexterity, and protection during a contest.

Discuss what mystical graffiti-like those of Amadou Bamba reveal about Murids

Amadou Bamba is regarded as one of the historical figures in Senegal. Amadou Bamba sought to fight the French occupation at a different level, as opposed to confrontation. He inspired his followers to work hard and live a holy life. Amadou Bamba was the founder of the Mouride sect of Islam in Senegal. He was known for his mystical powers and holiness. After his demise in 1927, there has been the emergence of Amadou Bamba’s mystical graffiti by Pape Diop. This graffiti reveal a lot about the Murids. The Murids consider the graffiti as depicting the ever-presence of their celebrated leader. Therefore, the Murids can be seen as religious people as they believe that the graffiti convey “baraka” to them. Baraka refers to the blessings of God. The Murids can also be regarded to be optimistic when they look at the mystical graffiti as it symbolizes hope, dignity, and protection. The mystical graffiti depicts the life of the Murids. Also, the graffiti is a cultural symbol because it indicates that the Murids are religious. The culture of the people has been depicted in the use of some objects as symbols. Therefore, symbolism is a major aspect of their culture.

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IvyPanda. (2021) 'Wolof Culture in West African States'. 2 February.

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IvyPanda. 2021. "Wolof Culture in West African States." February 2, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/wolof-culture-in-west-african-states/.

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IvyPanda. "Wolof Culture in West African States." February 2, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/wolof-culture-in-west-african-states/.

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