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The throne of the dead Naba. When the King dies, his corpse is placed on this throne and all the inhabitants meet for a great feast that takes place in front of the corpse. A way to say him goodbye.
Only at this occasion, the door on the left of the picture is open to take the corpse in and out.
The pretenders to the throne enter the King’s house by the door on the right.
Other people enter through a low door (off the picture, on the right).
Written Mar 9, 2004
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This one is a kind of obelisk covered with mosaic. The signs are called “les Signes de la Souris” (the Signs of the Mouse). They are a series of symbolic signs that were (and still are) used to predict the future.
The man who knows them draws them in a certain order on the ground of a well closed hut.
He then puts some food at the corners of the hut (usually, North, South, East and West).
Then, a mouse is introduced in the hut and the door is closed. Later, the door is open and the man who knows the signs enter, checks on what signs the mouse walked, and gives his interpretation.
Written Mar 9, 2004
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This statue made of iron tubes is 15 metres high. It represents the “Chef des Terres” (Head of the Lands), the Tinga-Naba. Actually the most powerful man of the village even though he is under the Chief in the hierarchy.
The Tinga-Naba distributes the pieces of land between the families and is the judge for all problems concerning the land.
His signs are a forked stick and a hoe. He usually is the oldest man of the village and is supposed to be closer to dead people than to living ones.
“Si la termitière vit, c’est qu’elle ajoute de la terre à la Terre” (local saying) : « If the termite mound lives, it’s because it brings earth to Earth ».
Updated Mar 9, 2004
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According to the tradition, when you arrive in a village, you first have to salute the Chief and ask him the authorization to visit the village.
Manéga’s chief has the title of King (Naba). He’s sitting in front of his house’s door under the shadow of a tree. His throne is… a plastic armchair with a drawing of Bugs Bunny!
When you arrive some 5 metres in front of him, you have to take your shoes off. Usually, he says to tourists to keep them, but local people appreciate if you do it.
Then, he makes to you the sign that you can approach, he stands up and welcomes you. In principle, you have to bow your head, and give your right hand while you hold your right elbow with your left hand.
Depending on the tribe they belong to, some people even put one knee on the ground. Tourists are exempted from all this because locals assume that they don’t know. Nevertheless, if you do it, they are surprised and appreciate a lot.
You also have to offer something. It’s only symbolic: 1000CFA (1.5€) are perfect.
Then, you sit on the ground when and where the king tells you. In principle on the ground, because in Manéga, the Naba asked someone to bring chairs for everybody.
Then, you have to wait for him to start talking to you. Again according to the tradition, he begins by asking you some news from your family, your business and your country.
Ask authorisation before taking pictures.
Written Mar 9, 2004
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According to the tradition, when you arrive in a village, you first have to salute the Chief and ask him the authorization to visit the village.Manéga’s chief...
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Manéga is the village where was born Titinga Pacéré, a writer from Burkina, international lawyer and former President of the International Court for Rwanda. A strange village that has entirely been...
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