The Fulani Tribe

Whip Match

The Fulani Tribe lives in west Africa, where they take pride in their "becoming a man" seriously. When a boy turns a certain age 13-15 years old they prepare for their painful initiation right. A boy will go out into the woods and find a strong, sturdy and flexible stick. When they find one that fits the profile they begin to sharpen the stick so that its easier to break the skin of the boy he is going to whip. the day of the match, each boy gets 3 single whips and whoever is getting whipped has to stay as still as they can, any flinch they make will cost them the match. When the match is over the village determines the winner and who becomes a Man. Whoever didn't win is shamed throughout the whole clan.