In Lougou, women pound millet every day. This ritual sets the rhythm for three important ceremonies throughout the day.

Becoming Saraouniya

Saraouniya is the queen. In 1983, a woman named Aljimma was designated by the body of the deceased Saraouniya Gado. Until then, she was like any other woman, a wife and a mother. Once chosen, Aljimma ceased to be an ordinary woman and became the vessel of transcendence. For the Azna people, she embodies fertility and represents a link in a lineage that ensures the alliance between the earth,… spirits, and men.

The three ceremonies mark the end of her year of apprenticeship and the beginning of her reign: she becomes the new queen, Saraouniya Aljimma.

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Dakan tururuwa: Pounding for the Anthill

The women prepare gumba, an uncooked millet porridge. Outside the village, Saraouniya sprinkles the anthill with gumba, to ask for good rains and an abundant harvest. Once the alliance with nature is reaffirmed, the children can enjoy the gumba.

Dakan dabi: pounding for sacrifice

The Dakan dabi, or pounding for sacrifice, always follows the Dakan tururuwa. The community gathers around Saraouniya, who spins the gumba. Everyone recalls traditions, honors their ancestors, and shares wishes for peace and health for all. The priests also issue warnings for potential enemies. Saraouniya then leaves the assembly, as the sacrifice is being prepared and she cannot see the blood. A goat is killed, this sacrifice honors the dead.

Dakan Saraouniya: pounding for Saraouniya

This ceremony takes place a year after the death of the previous Saraouniya, in front of what used to be her hut. It marks the end of Godo’s cycle by closing his funeral and thus beginning of Aljimma’s.
The spirits that inhabited the late Saraouniya’s hut leave to join the new queen. Saraouniya now resides in her large hut where she will remain cloistered, guaranteeing peace and prosperity for all groups from Lougou.