An Enskinment In Black and White

I’m back from my farm stay in the Upper East. I’ll post pictures and stories from that soon.

For now, here are a few photos from a ceremony I attended in my neighbourhood. I was invited out by my friend Chief. He’s an honorary chief in this part of Tamale, and also a local magician, practising traditional magic.

He invited me to this ceremony, which was part of the preparation for the “enskinment” of another chief. Enskinment refers to the animal skin on which the chiefs will sit. When they come to power, they’re said to be enskinned.

The ceremony consisted of a huge crowd of people, in the open centre of which danced at least 10 or 15 men. They all wore the traditional smocks of Northern Ghana, and danced to tomtom drums.

I decided to experiment with black and white.

My friend Chief, before the ceremony.

My friend, Chief.

The celebration grounds.

Dagomba dancer.

Dagomba dancer.

Dagomba dancer.

Dagomba dancer.

Dagomba dancers. They bang metal rods in time to the music.