Cultural Day

The population of Burkina Faso is comprised of over 60 ethnic groups. In Ouahigouya, we lived with a Mossi host family, one of the largest ethnic groups (“Burkina” means “upright people” in Mooré, the language of the Mossi. In case you’re wondering, “Faso” means “land” in Dioula). Here in Orodara, our host mother is Mossi but our host dad is Siamou, an ethnic group heavily represented in this region. After the Siamou, the two other most populous ethnic groups in Orodara are the Senoufou and the Peuhl. The latter was at one point a nomadic group known for raising cattle to such an extent that if Peuhls are around, one can be assured that fresh milk is also available. I’ve found the Burkinabé to be prolific language speakers as it is not uncommon for someone to speak 3 or more languages. For example, our Orodara host mother speaks Mooré, Dioula, Siamou and French, and is attempting to learn English (“Lay-doo,” she calls out to us when we’re leaving for the day).

With all of these ethnic groups slowly melding into one identity, Burkinabé, high schools throughout the country annually host a “Jour Culturel” (Cultural Day) so students can show ethnic pride by dressing in the traditional clothing of their ancestors and share these institutions with their classmates and members of the community. The ministry of education created this day not only to impart traditions, but more importantly so that modern youth would remain conscious of their ancestral history. We were invited to take part in the celebrations at the local Diongolo Traore high school. Following are some photos we snapped of different ethnic groups within each class performing skits representative of their cultural heritage.

Siamou children posing for a photojournalist from a local newspaper (I stepped in at the right time).

Siamou skit about marriage. The “old grandfather” (second from the left) is Toussaint, one of the children from our courtyard. Check out those acting chops!

Siamou skit featuring hunters. The student on the right shook his fanny while walking to make the shell belt jingle. Also note how, in a stunning reversal from early 90’s policy, children are now *encouraged* to bring guns to school.

Peuhl skit. The girls carry calabashes filled with milk to represent Peuhls as both cattle herders and merchants. The Peuhl boys walk softly and carry a big stick.

Peuhl dancing. I love how the ornate dress of that ethnic group. If you can’t tell, the girl has cowrie shells in her hair and black makeup around her mouth.

Dave and I might stage our own cultural day where I will wear a hanbok and Hello Kitty backpack and he will don an Armani tux and hold a Kielbasa sausage.