The Kankurang

WARNING! This blog contains a spoiler for children under the age of 11.

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It seems that every culture has its own tradition of fictional characters that come to life in the form of some guy plunging himself into a hot, sweaty, silly, suit and acting the part. We toubabs have the traditions of Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and the every so stealthy Tooth Fairy (Seriously, how does she really manage to slip a quarter under my pillow? My pride refuses to accept any explanation that accuses her of being anything other than nonfictional and magical.) Here in West Africa, we have the Kankurang, or Kankurang-O for Mandinkas.

So what exactly is this Kankurang? The Kankurang looks like the result of an encounter between Cousin It and Swamp Thing at a very hazily recollected frat party - with machetes. Now here is where I shroud the Kankurang in mystery and leave you asking 'why?'. Because people here like to keep some aspects of their culture a secret, I have deleted my narrative about the purpose of the Kankurang and what happens during the ceremony when he is conjured from the bush. Cruel to leave you hanging, I know.

Anyway, the Kankurang is a pretty cool tradition (I swear) - way more awesome than an old fat guy, a giant bunny, or a mosquito wearing a tutu. Our traditions would never catch on in West Africa, because old fat guys don't exist, bunnies don't either, and the tooth fairy would be carrying malaria. 

--Bless 'dem