Boukout

Boukout (also called bukut or futampaf) is a Jola rite of passage practised in Ziguinchor, Senegal.

Before the colonization, boukout was the only method of formal education in the area, preparing young men to take their place in society as well as teaching them how to defend it.

Organized by the elders who hold power over the other villagers and control all means of production, the ceremony provides initiates with political, economic, and religious independence.

Until they have partaken in boukout, young people may not marry or receive land, and are somewhat excluded from the community.

It is never known precisely when boukout will take place, although the event is announced by the elders two or three years before the fact, after having discovered a series of phenomena that constitute the necessary signs.