Culture

On Independence Day, October 24, there was a cultural celebration along with the market where we bought fun stuff.  There are some of the performers.  These are traditional clothes and dancers.  We don't see people dressed like this on the street everyday. 

The African people are very happy and warm.  Most of very happy to have their pictures taken--especially the men.  Some of the women are a little more shy and sometimes even tell us 'no' when we ask if we can take their picture. 

This vendor is selling this xylophone type instrument.  It has a mellow sound and is very African sounding!

We went to Kawbata one afternoon for their cultural presentation.  There was a market associated with it and we did a little shopping.  The main attraction was a skit they put on in their native language about literacy, AIDS and family stability.  We had several very nice people come to translate the skit for us.  It was a little long, but it makes us happy that the country is trying to get the message out to it's people that improvement are needed to make them a happier and healthier people.
Then there was a presentation of African traditional dancers We are not sure what the message was of that, but as they were dancing, this young man came right up to us and started dancing.  He was not shy about us taking pictures at all! Another dancer came to draw LaNice into the dance, and she danced with him for about 5 seconds and then sat down.  

A shot of the market and the way they display their cloth goods. 

The day before the country-wide Day of Prayer, there was another celebration at the show grounds by Manda Hill Mall.  We decided to walk down, and it was a bit farther than we had expected.  There again was a market selling items and then performances.  We were too late to see the dancing, but some of the performers were resting in the shade and allowed a photo. 

The eyes got my attention   

We did not purchase the mask, but we did buy the two pictures below.  This young man made these pictures.  One was from sawdust of different woods (the round one) and the other was made from elephant grass and banana leaves.  They both hang in our flat. 

Again, we didn't buy the mask, but did get the shells with the intricate painting on them. 

The woven baskets and the painted wooden bowls are plentiful and beautiful.

T

These round gourds have seeds in them and make a beautiful rattle when rolled.