West Africa
West African Language
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Though this term can be translated in English as courage or strength, it also includes a dimension of resilience. Indeed, Njàmbaar is not just a matte…
Sanded area where traditional wrestling matches are held in Senegal.
Title designating kings. Moreover, they have specific titles connected to pre-colonial territories in Senegal.
Owner or master. Borom refers to a figure of authority, a protector or head of the family, charged with benevolently watching over others. The term al…
Belt made of small pearls worn by women around the hips for erotic, ritual, or festive purposes.
A wide-sleeved, stitched boubou in the form of a caftan worn by the Mouride community.
English Definition
Parade dance performed by a wrestler at a wrestling event, usually accompanied by songs to his glory.
French Definition
Dans…
English Definition
Man’s loose shirt, collarless and without buttons, made of cotton.
French Definition
Chemise d’homme ample, sans col et non b…
A musical instrument used by the Géwal (griots) during festivals, celebrations, or traditional dance rituals. The dancers move to the beat, swaying an…
Zangbétɔ
Zangbétɔ
Goun
Sacred masks of Goun origin. Literally, Zangbétɔ means “night watchman” (République du Bénin, 13), “zan” meaning “night” and “gbétɔ” meaning “night wa…
Iroko
Fɔ̀ngbè
Species of plant considered sacred in Benin, particularly in the southern region. The Iroko tree is revered, and is often used in rituals and ceremoni…
Asɛn
Fɔ̀ngbè
Originally a Fɔ̀ngbè term, an asɛn is a portable altar made mainly of metal and designed to commemorate a deceased person who, during their lifetime, …
Guy
Wolof
The baobab is a symbolic tree in Senegal. It is the emblem of the nation and symbolizes its strength and resilience, which nothing can shake. It is al…
Gàll
Gàll
Wolof
A traditional wooden pirogue used for fishing and as a means of transport on the islands of Senegal. It also symbolizes the unity of the Senegalese na…
Ndaal
Wolof
This jar-shaped pottery container is used in practically every home in Senegal. It keeps drinking water fresh. This practice is disappearing progressi…
Andeu
Wolof
A pottery container used to incense the different rooms of the house with a product called thiouraye. It is made from the bark of well-dried plants so…
Djikta
Djikta
Yemba
Perle prenant la forme d’un disque fin, creusée en son centre. Appelée rondelle de Koffi en Afrique de l’Ouest, ces perles sont faites à base de bakél…
Case patrimoniale
French
Name of a label created by La Route des Chefferies*, a program dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the heritage of the chiefdoms of West Cameroon,…
Bocage. Bafoussam
bo · kaj
French
Type of barrier or fence separating the main concession houses* from plantations, and other properties from one another. Several types exist, with the…
Nkà’á tsɔ̀’ɔ̀, or axis of life.
ŋkà’á/tsɔ̀’ɔ̀
Nguemba
Path linking the market place of the great chiefdoms to the court and the great royal hut. The axis of life begins at the entrance to the chieftaincy,…