It is the secret society of the Kôrêdugaw that defines the cultural spirit of wisdom and identity of the Bambara, Malinké, Senufo, and Samogo peoples of Mali.
This practice is a symbol of life’s philosophy among those communities in Mali.
They wear ragged clothing with red bean necklaces and a large number of miscellaneous items, provoking laughter with their gluttonous behavior, caustic humor, and wiles, but they also possess great intelligence and wisdom.
Initiating young men to "Korè" is the phase of the ritual intended to construct the male identity in the group. To be a part of "Korè," a boy must "be killed in Kore," or else he will be forced to leave the village because he belongs to the world of circumcised women and children. In predominantly Muslim villages, the practice of "Korè" continues to exist even though it is watered down. There is a notion that "Korè" is a cult (jo), and masks, strong objects (boliw), and sacrifices often have disappeared. "Korè" is not the final stage of an initiatory course. A group of boys is “killed in Kore” every seven years.
In addition to educating the children, they also train them to deal with social problems. They also play a major role in festivals and other special occasions. Aside from herbalists and traditional therapists, the Kôrêdugaw are also healers.
Their knowledge of herbs is used for curing illnesses, warding off bad luck, treating childless women, and imparting blessings. By demonstrating generosity, tolerance, inoffensiveness, and mastery of knowledge, they embody the guidelines of conduct that they advocate.
A Kôrêdugaw comes from all social groups, regardless of race, gender, or religion, and is initiated by an ancestor, a spirit, or a master. Knowledge and know-how are transferred during initiation ceremonies each year.
As a result of the growing urban lifestyle among younger generations, traditional modes of transmission are being threatened as the number of initiates decreases, traditional ritual practices are taking place less and less often, and the loss of its ritual purpose in favor of entertainment and profit.
As part of safeguarding measures proposed by the State, measures for legal awareness-raising and documentation have been proposed that will enable the element to continue to exist, in addition to revitalizing its ritual and social functions.
The submitting State consulted extensively during the elaboration of the nomination to include the free, prior, and informed consent of associations of “Kôrêdugaw” practitioners. That knowledge is part of the culture, administered by the national directorate of cultural heritage through its supervisory department. Finally, it was included in the inventory of national cultural heritage in 2010.
References
(https://ich.unesco.org/en/USL/secret-society-of-the-krdugaw-the-rite-of-wisdom-in-mali-00520) (https://maliactu.net/mali-koredugaw-la-necessaire-sauvegarde/) |Subject=Belief, dance, Ritual |Country=Mali |SDG=(11) Sustainable Cities and Communities }}