In Gambia, Kankurang initiation rite teaches boys
Sharp sounds of clanking machetes cut the air as a warning that the Kankurang is coming.
Fearful children nearby run inside their homes as the scary figure approaches, grunting. Others, more curious, risk a closer look at the man dressed to represent the spiritual figure.
The traditional Kankurang wears a mask made of bark and his body is covered in leaves and red fiber from the faara tree. Other Kangkurangs with him wear colorful outfits with masks of cowrie shells.
The Kankurangs are followed by a small procession of teenagers and young men who are accompanying four young boys nearing the end of a month-long initiation rite, which is practiced by the Mandinka ethnic groups in Gambia and neighboring Senegal.
Despite his fearsome appearance, the Kankurang symbolizes the spirit that provides order and justice and is considered a protector against evil. He appears at ceremonies where circumcised boys are taught cultural practices, including discipline and respect.
A man impersonates the Kankurang walks along the river with his machetes during a Mandinka ritual in Serrekunda, Gambia, Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021. The Kankurang rite was recognized in 2005 by UNESCO, which proclaimed it a cultural heritage. Despite his fearsome appearance, the Kankurang symbolizes the spirit that provides order and justice and is considered a protector against evil. He appears at ceremonies where circumcised boys are taught cultural practices, including discipline and respect. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
Boys, who are taking part in the initiation rites, follow the rhythms of the drums during the Kankurang ritual in Bakau, Gambia, Friday, Oct. 1, 2021. The Kankurang rite was recognized in 2005 by UNESCO, which proclaimed it a cultural heritage. Despite his fearsome appearance, the Kankurang symbolizes the spirit that provides order and justice and is considered a protector against evil. He appears at ceremonies where circumcised boys are taught cultural practices, including discipline and respect. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
Boys who are taking part in the initiation rites cover their heads with blankets as they attend a procession during the Kankurang ritual in Bakau, Gambia, Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021. The Kankurang rite was recognized in 2005 by UNESCO, which proclaimed it a cultural heritage. Despite his fearsome appearance, the Kankurang symbolizes the spirit that provides order and justice and is considered a protector against evil. He appears at ceremonies where circumcised boys are taught cultural practices, including discipline and respect. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
A boy dressed up as a Kankurang play chases a child in Serrekunda, Gambia, Friday, Sept. 24, 2021. The Kankurang rite was recognized in 2005 by UNESCO, which proclaimed it a cultural heritage. Despite his fearsome appearance, the Kankurang symbolizes the spirit that provides order and justice and is considered a protector against evil. He appears at ceremonies where circumcised boys are taught cultural practices, including discipline and respect. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
A boy runs away from men dressed as Kankurang during a ritual procession in Bakau, Gambia, Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021. The Kankurang rite was recognized in 2005 by UNESCO, which proclaimed it a cultural heritage. Despite his fearsome appearance, the Kankurang symbolizes the spirit that provides order and justice and is considered a protector against evil. He appears at ceremonies where circumcised boys are taught cultural practices, including discipline and respect. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
Neighbors, friends and relatives of boys who are taking part in the initiation rites, attend a Kankurang ceremony in Bakau, Gambia, Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021. The Kankurang rite was recognized in 2005 by UNESCO, which proclaimed it a cultural heritage. Despite his fearsome appearance, the Kankurang symbolizes the spirit that provides order and justice and is considered a protector against evil. He appears at ceremonies where circumcised boys are taught cultural practices, including discipline and respect. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
Musicians perform the Mandinka drums during the Kankurang ritual in Bakau, Gambia, Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021. The Kankurang rite was recognized in 2005 by UNESCO, which proclaimed it a cultural heritage. Despite his fearsome appearance, the Kankurang symbolizes the spirit that provides order and justice and is considered a protector against evil. He appears at ceremonies where circumcised boys are taught cultural practices, including discipline and respect. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
A boy taking part in initiation rites dances during the Kankurang ritual in Bakau, Gambia, Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021. The Kankurang rite was recognized in 2005 by UNESCO, which proclaimed it a cultural heritage. Despite his fearsome appearance, the Kankurang symbolizes the spirit that provides order and justice and is considered a protector against evil. He appears at ceremonies where circumcised boys are taught cultural practices, including discipline and respect. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
A man impersonates the Kankurang as he dances during a Mandinka ritual in Bakau, Gambia, Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021. The ritual is associated with circumcision and initiatory rites. Kankurang, as guarantor of order and justice and protector against the evil spirits, ensures transmission and teaching of the Mandinka cultural identity. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
A boy sings during the Kankurang ritual in Bakau, Gambia, Friday, Oct. 1, 2021. The Kankurang rite was recognized in 2005 by UNESCO, which proclaimed it a cultural heritage. Despite his fearsome appearance, the Kankurang symbolizes the spirit that provides order and justice and is considered a protector against evil. He appears at ceremonies where circumcised boys are taught cultural practices, including discipline and respect. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
Boys taking part in the initiation rites, sit with their heads covered by a blanket during a Kankurang ceremony in Bakau, Gambia, Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021. The Kankurang rite was recognized in 2005 by UNESCO, which proclaimed it a cultural heritage. Despite his fearsome appearance, the Kankurang symbolizes the spirit that provides order and justice and is considered a protector against evil. He appears at ceremonies where circumcised boys are taught cultural practices, including discipline and respect. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
Holding two machetes, a man impersonating the Kankurang walks past a boy, left bottom, who is taking part in the initiation rites, during a Mandinka ritual in Serrekunda, Gambia, Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021. The Kankurang rite was recognized in 2005 by UNESCO, which proclaimed it a cultural heritage. Despite his fearsome appearance, the Kankurang symbolizes the spirit that provides order and justice and is considered a protector against evil. He appears at ceremonies where circumcised boys are taught cultural practices, including discipline and respect. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
A musician performs a Mandinka drum during the Kankurang ritual in Bakau, Gambia, Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021. The ritual is associated with circumcision and initiation of the boys into manhood. Kankurang, as guarantor of order and justice and protector against the evil spirits, ensures transmission and teaching of the Mandinka cultural identity. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
A man dressed as the Kankurang, has his mask tied before taking part in a ritual, in Bakau, Gambia, Friday, Oct. 1, 2021. The Kankurang rite was recognized in 2005 by UNESCO, which proclaimed it a cultural heritage. Despite his fearsome appearance, the Kankurang symbolizes the spirit that provides order and justice and is considered a protector against evil. He appears at ceremonies where circumcised boys are taught cultural practices, including discipline and respect. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
A man sings during the Kankurang ritual in Bakau, Gambia, Friday, Oct. 1, 2021. The ritual is associated with circumcision and initiation of the boys into manhood. Kankurang, as guarantor of order and justice and protector against the evil spirits, ensures transmission and teaching of the Mandinka cultural identity. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
Holding money on his head, a man dances in the rhythms of the Mandinka drums during the Kankurang ritual in Bakau, Gambia, Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021. The ritual is associated with circumcision and initiation of the boys into manhood. Kankurang, as guarantor of order and justice and protector against the evil spirits, ensures transmission and teaching of the Mandinka cultural identity. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
Women dance during a procession of the Kankurang ritual in Bakau, Gambia, Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021. The ritual is associated with circumcision and initiation of the boys into manhood. Kankurang, as guarantor of order and justice and protector against the evil spirits, ensures transmission and teaching of the Mandinka cultural identity. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
An elderly woman toss rice over the attendees, as a symbol of prosperity and union, during a Kankurang ceremony in Bakau, Gambia, Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021. The ritual is associated with circumcision and initiatory rites. Kankurang, as guarantor of order and justice and protector against the evil spirits, ensures transmission and teaching of the Mandinka cultural identity. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
Wearing a collar of candies and money, 3-year-old Kebba Sarr takes part in the initiation rites during the Kankurang ritual in Bakau, Gambia, Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021. Relatives and friends offer small amounts of money, as a sign of gratitude. Kankurang, as guarantor of order and justice and protector against the evil spirits, ensures transmission and teaching of the Mandinka cultural identity. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
Impersonating the Kankurang, a man poses for the picture as he holds two machetes during a Mandinka ritual in Serrekunda, Gambia, Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021. The Kankurang rite was recognized in 2005 by UNESCO, which proclaimed it a cultural heritage. Despite his fearsome appearance, the Kankurang symbolizes the spirit that provides order and justice and is considered a protector against evil. He appears at ceremonies where circumcised boys are taught cultural practices, including discipline and respect. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
