© Erik Cleves Kristensen, 2006 |
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| General Information |
Evala is a traditional wrestling game of the Kabiye ethnic group in Togo. It serves as a rite of passage for young men (The African Magazine 2019; Exploring Africa, s.d.). It includes crossing three mountains, physical and metal training and circumcision. The shame losing the fight brings upon the wrestler’s family encourages him to train hard. Every year the Evala festival takes place (Crudelli 2010: 289). Wrestling matches are accompanied by drums, flutes and other musical instruments (The African Magazine 2019). |
| History/Development |
Evala used to be played with sticks, but they have disappeared over time. |
Transmission
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Evala has seen some expansion within Togo. The festival attracts curious tourists from around the world as well (Adzafo 2014). The slaughtering of dogs is believed to give the wrestlers supernatural powers for the festival. The practice is controversial and has evoked many negative reactions. Some suggest it might be time to modernize in order to become more professional and to open up to other cultures (The African Magazine 2019). |
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| References |
- Crudelli, C. (2010). The Way of the Warrior: Martial Arts and Fighting Skills from Around the World, London: Dorling Kindersley, p. 289.
- The African Magazine. (2019). “Initiation Wrestling in Togo” The African Magazine. https://www.myafricanmagazine.com/initiation-wrestling-in-togo/
- Exploring Africa. (s.d.). “The Kabye Male Rites: the Evala Fight and the Kondona”, Exploring Africa. https://www.exploring-africa.com/en/ethnic-groups/kabye/kabye-male-rites-evala-fight-and-kondona
- Adzafo. R. (2014). “Togo: Evala, One of the Biggest Cultural Events Started Last Saturday”, Africa Top Succes. https://www.africatopsuccess.com/togo-evala-one-of-the-biggest-cultural-events-started-last-saturday/ | | |
