Tabaski

Tabaski, or Seli-Ba which comes 70 days after the end of Ramadan was celebrated in the middle of November this year. It is a Muslim holiday, but is comparable to the story of Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac. In the Muslim religion, many will say that it was Muhammad who was asked to sacrifice Ishmael. Which ever version you subscribe to, the point is that at the last minute, God sent and angel down to stop him and told him to sacrifice a sheep instead. The traditional Tabaski fare features a sheep which is slaughtered by an old man, muttering benedictions as he slides the knife over the throat of the sheep, which is held down by the other male members of the family. After being in DC last November, I was able to take part in my village celebrations this time around and have posted some of the best pictures from the day, including the slaughtering of the sacrificial sheep and pics of Niasso Kaw in their Seli-Ba best.

The goat we sacrificed with my host brothers and the ce koroba (old man).
Just before cutting the goat's throat. Bakaary, the ce koroba is repeating a benediction as he kills the goat. It is saying thank you for this year and asking for good health in the next.
Bakary, the same man who killed the goat, after cleaning up for the fete.
The school teachers and other friends having afternoon tea.