PEOPLE

Senegal is a country of attractive, friendly and outgoing people, among whom the tall and stately Wolof are renowned. With a population estimated at over 10 million it is composed of numerous ethnic groups (Wolof, Serer, Fulani, Diola, Toucouleur, Mandinke and Sininke) as well as various nationalities. Each of these groups contributes to the liveliness and diversity of Senegalese traditions and culture. This is a country that has shown itself to be a model of tolerance for people of varying cultures.

The people of Senegal are warm, friendly and hospitable. They take pride in what they call 'Teranga' meaning hospitality. It is the norm to greet any passers by even though they are strangers with 'Nanga def?' or 'Salam alekum'. If you go to someone's house and it happens to be while they are about to sit down for a meal they will be most offended if you refuse to join them.

As Yoff is a fishing village, the Wolof people of Yoff are called Lebou. The Lebou are fishermen from coastal villages. As Pape and his family are also griots, on the workshop you will have an opportunity to learn about their history and traditions.

GRIOTS

The french word 'Griot' is used to describe a particular caste in French-speaking countries of West Africa. One can only be born into this caste. Traditionally, the Griots are the hereditary musicians, poets, historians, advisors, arbitrators, social commentators and diplomats. They are masters of ceremony and they learn from birth all the songs, dances, histories and rhythms of their culture. In addition, through fetish ceremonies, they summon the spirits of their ancestors. Much like the Shannachies from Ireland, the Griots are walking libraries as they are the repositories of the entire oral histories and culture of their people. They are also musicians, singers, dancers, actors, artists, story tellers and historians, making them Artists in the true sense of the word. Consequently, the Griot is very important for the maintenance of African culture.

"The power of the griot's word is such that it can kill more subtly than poison or the arrow's tip".