Village Life - Episode #2

Just a few pics of typical activities in my family’s compound. 

My Ba (short for Baay or father) slaughtering a goat with helping hands from Hassan, Dembu and Sarjeko. This pregnant goat was slaughtered after Ba determined that its babies had died in the womb. The goat was otherwise healthy as far as could be determined. If the goat had been sick or injured it would have been hauled to the field for the vultures to eat. My understanding is that it is contrary to Muslim teachings to eat a sick or injured animal. It is also their practice that men conduct the slaughter. The women may undertake butchering but the men (or boys) kill the animal. 

Ah, the cycle of life! A few weeks later here is the two day old offspring of another goat in my family’s menagerie. 

Mam Hoja doing laundry. This is how I do mine as well, although I sit on a short stool. I can’t fathom how these women can so easily maintain this position for hours at a time - doing laundry, weeding the garden, etc. 

Tenang ironing a freshly laundered pair of school pants for one of the boys. She loads up the iron with coals from the fire. 

Helping Ya Haddy (my host Mom) prep for lunch, the main meal of the day. The women in the compound take turns cooking lunch. On the weekends when most people are home that can mean about 30 mouths to feed.

Nini and Jokab plaiting Salon’s and Maryama’s hair. A familiar sight/activity. Don’t hold your breathe waiting to see a pic of me with my hair plaited!