Sunday, July 4, 2010

A Dance with the Devil

© by Chad Finer
This is the same devil as below (the one in Kenema made by Su Gande) but the location is the nearby village of Tokpombu in Nongowa chiefdom. This village was less than a mile from our house and on Dama Road as it headed toward Dama Chiefdom. For some reason this village was a so-called hot bed for Bondo activity in the area. In this photo the Bondo Devil playfully dances with a woman from Tokpombu - this while two other women play the Segburreh (or shake-shake). This instrument was rattle-like with the strings and beads on the strings tightened to a beat and rhythm. The wonderful Mende singer - Bonya - can be seen just behind the devil (only her head is visible). I remember how much fun these folks seemed to be having - it was a joyous day as I remember it. Tokpombu in those days was a small village just outside Kenema and right on Dama Rd. From this village there were a number of bush roads that led off toward the River Moa about 4-5 miles away. One of these roads led to a favorite village of mine known as Vaama. It was in this village that my friend Pa Sam lived (see earlier postings).

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