This day will bring us into a world different from
the islands of Madeleine. The programs of the day will be made in two
different places : the Island of Tenguène and the village of
Yoff. In the morning, we will go to the Island of Teunguène and
in the evening to the very traditional and conservative village of Yoff.
Heading for Teunguène
Having got acquainted with families, we will go to
investigate Teunguène, the first Area of the Community Patrimony
of the world where the nature became again chief of the areas and where
the mythical aspect has a very important place.
At the Island of Teunguène
Here, we will notice the conservation of the
natural environment favored by the self-abnegation and the commiment of
the local population.
The crossing
From the coast, we will join the island of
Teunguène aboard a craft dugout rented to the local fishermen.
It will be an opportunity to have a general view of the island and to
appreciate also its morphology.
Visit of the Island of Teunguène
We will accost on a sandy beach east of the island
which faces the village of Yoff. This is only place, sheltered from the
swell, has a sandy beach. However, it is in regression. The rest of the
island, notably coasts, is mainly occupied by cliffs of rather big size
constituted in particular by dolerite.
In front of us, westward, we will observe the ascending shape of the
island. In the North, a 8,7 metre high cliff characterises the peak of
the island. By going southward, the relief bows in a hillside coming
down up to the sea.
The ornithological fauna which had left the island because of its
degradation reappears gradually. This is favored by the peace reigning
there since its erection in Area of the Community patrimony. The island
became again a centre of attraction of the birds where several species
can be observed.
Throughout our visit, we will discover a mythical world. The Island of
Teunguène presents a major importance for the lébou of
Yoff because it is the house of a big genius, Mame Woré Moll. We
will so visit the domestic altars which are installed there. We will
observe the various elements constituting them as well as the rests of
the sacrifices put down there.
The ox to be sacrificed is transported in a dugout up to the island. It
is red or black. During the immolation, not a single drop of blood has
to touch the water of the sea. So, the persons in charge of the
sacrifice of the ox have to wipe their hands before returning to sea.
Internal organs are put down under a cliff just after the three stones
constituting Mame Woré Moll's seat. A rock is specially reserved
for the deposit of the head. Every time a new ox is sacrificed, the
head of the former animal is moved and replaced by the new one.
Besides, it is to underline that it is not authorized to everybody to
sacrifice an animal to the island. This task is exclusively for the
initiated persons.
So, the Island of Teunguène is a mythical site for the villagers
of Yoff who come to pray for their personal wishes as well as for all
the village. They take there their ritual baths.
The Island of Teunguène has been a sacred island since the
age-old times. It is the symbol of the affection of the Lebou to the
ground and maritime nature, as well as in its guardian genius Mame
Ndiaré. This place of cult welcomes the offerings stemming from
ritual ceremonies of ndeup and of tuuru practised by the Lebou of Yoff.
After a visit rich in educations, we will join the place of residence
of the priestesses to have lunch and attend the preparations for the
big Tuuru.
|
