Bédik

See also: Bédik (language)

The Bédik are an ethnicity established mainly in the south-east of the Senegal, in the District of Bandafassi. They constitute the one of smallest minorities (approximately 1% of the population). Contrary to most of Senegal, the country bédik is in altitude.

History

Bédik live in an area little touched by the Islam isation. Bédik have contacts with other minority ethnos groups in the country (Bassari, Sérères), speak their own language and constituted a religion which associates animism and elements of Catholicism.

Their ancestors would be the families Keita and Camera come from the Mali following a war initiated by Alpha Yaye coming from the Fouta Djallon.

Population

Not very many, Bédik was 3.375 in 2002.

They live in some villages in altitude, often of difficult access, of which Elyés-Haut, Bantata, Inéré, Etyès-Bas, Mangama, Andyèl, Etyowar. Iwol, Landini, Andiel, Bandafassi or Ibel.

Religion

Bédiks are generally Animiste S and believe in the resurrection of the bodies after death. Some are Christian and Iwol has a church.

Culture

Their rites have common points with those of the Bassari. Like they, they raise a series of vegetable masks at the time of unquestionable ritual. They were called “People of the happy valley” because of the many festivals which they celebrate.
  • the “Manindam” is the ceremony of Initiation teenagers, known as “of the father of the Spirits” . It is held April at May.
  • the “Gamond” is celebrated between May and June, on the topic of the Fécondité and the Puberté, the Pluie and the Santé.
  • “Eyamb” is a festival which proceeds in June or July, festival of the puberty, but specifically devoted to the nonmarried young girls.
  • the “Matyang” is celebrated in November or December.

See too

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