An Opera of the West African Bondo

The article by Fredrick Lamp does a good job describing the initiation process of the Temne people. Despite the process being looked at with disdain by the western world, Fredrick Lamp is able to draw a parallel between and the western opera and the initiation process of the Temne which incorporates singing, instrumental music and costuming, dancing and lighting. This definitely broadened my mind and views of what an opera was composed of.

The opera presented by the Temne people is done in a completely different setting from what one would expect. It takes several days and for the girls, is composed of a Bondo play of coming-out. The village is the theatre and as Fredrick Lamp explains, it is both the stage and the orchestra, tier and balcony.

I found it interesting and unique that the Temne people take their initiation process very seriously. This is shown in various ways. For example, the length it takes to complete the whole thing is approximately one year. Secondly, mistakes are not permitted and making errors could result in an initiate being expelled. However, what I found most striking was the fact that a non-initiate was considered a nonperson.

I was amazed at the different ways in which symbolism is used by the Temne. For instance, the spiraling path that the initiates take from the river is meant to be a symbol of the force of creation. Another symbol, which I however found bizarre, was the serpent that they associate with regeneration and rhythm of life. This is in stark contrast with what many other communities the world over believe about serpents.

Nonetheless, I could not understand why the Temne people put so much emphasis on the number four. As a start, the whole pouring out ceremony has four parts. In another instance, as the initiates come back to the village, they have to circle the ancestral house of stones four times. Soon after, as they chant a salute led by the principal Sampa dancer four times. After the chanting the women then proceed to circle the courthouse four times. I am curious as to why so many of the steps in the initiation process are done in four parts.

Anthony

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