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Originally uploaded by er1nh

A few of my friends had the chance to go to an event a few weeks ago. The event is called “sharru,” and took place this year in Will’s village. It is an annual festival put on by the Fulan ethnic group, featuring a test of bravery and rite of passage for young men. The boys who want to participate are grouped by ages and then lash each other on the back a few times with thin whip-like sticks. It is a big celebration with lots of drumming and dancing. Families cheer on their family members and make loud pronouncements that their family will be strongest. The club sticks that you may see in some of the pictures are just carried around for show, and are NOT the sticks that are used.

Check out the pictures!