British Empire Article


Wagogo


This 1948 photograph shows Bagoyangi snake charmers. They dance with the snakes, pick them up, sing to them and fall into hypnotic trances. There is a sacred 'makula' anti bite serum kept in the horn with the cheif drummer in case of bites. Amongst the Wasakuma tribesmen of Tanganyika there is a secret society of snake worshippers called the Bagoyangi who meet annually tohold the annual'mbrina' snake dance. It takes place in a natural ampitheatre on a hillside and the Wakasuma people gather from far and wide, dressed in monkey skins, beaded aprons and strings of cowrie shells. Bells stiched to leather thongs around their anklesrattle with every step. Image courtesy of Magnum Photos


Tales From The African Bush


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