The Goja ceremony in Gora-Gah drew participants from numerous nearby camps.  They’d heard the news about strangers coming to take photographs, and everyone came ready to put on a show.  They were just as excited to share their tradition as we were to be there!

Watch the video clip for an interview with the king, incredible flips, and some lovely whipping.  All accompanied by singing and flute melodies.

The ceremony got started at midnight, lasting right until sunrise.

It had been raining all evening, and it poured the following morning, but these sorcerers cast a spell to keep the party dry.  It worked like a charm.

A sacrificed chicken kept the spirits pleased,

and young women presented milk in elaborate calabashes to the community elders.

Entrepreneurial Bariba women came from a nearby village to sell candy and palm liquor called sodabie.

Like the Goja ceremony in Ouessè, the party started with singing and dancing:

Immediately after this photo was taken, the kid in white punched the kid in dots.  Hah-hah.

The old folks showed more discipline.

The boys pay great attention to their costumes.

The cowry shell in his teeth represents wealth.

Teenage boys vie for attention from the ladies.

The Pulaku Project team even got in the action.

Women throw candy on their favorite dancers.  Yeah-boy!

It’s time for acrobatics – youngsters take to the air while the elders admire.

These flips are called furu.

This guy’s leaning forward before launching into a backflip.

Finally, deep into the night, the flagellation begins:

Vanity and good looks are highly valued in Fulani culture.

This teenager poses with a mirror as he awaits the whip.

The participants chose their partner long before the event.

Flagellation is considered to strengthen the bonds of friendship.

Some pairs whipped gently, a symbolic gesture,

while others struck with full force.

These scars bear testament to his bravery, a permanent reminder of his Fulani identity.