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WORLD ANTHROPOLOGICAL UNION

CONGRESS 2024​

Paper

Traditional jester-healers of the Manden (Mali, Guinea).

presenters

    Olga Zavyalova

    Nationality: Россия

    Residence: Russia

    St.Petersburg state University

    Presence:Online

Keywords:

Koreduga, Africa, tradition

Abstract:

Koreduga are traditional “jesters”, an autonomous part of the Kore secret society. Like the vulture, their symbol, they can eat and drink absolutely everything, without consequences. They have remedies against the disease and antidotes. Koreduga are called also guardians of wisdom. They are the opposite of ordinary people - with the help of idiotic antics, buffoonish actions and words that always convey the opposite meaning of what was said, they resolve any conflicts in society. Koreduga with the help of their remedies and fetishes are able to treat not only poisoning, but also infertility, and many other diseases. People become Koreduga not only by birth, but also by their own choice. Those born with the help of Koreduga should join them. Sometimes spirits force a person to become Koreduga (as with shamans): until the person puts on a Koreduga costume and begins to behave in violation of common sense, the person will suffer from illnesses and misfortunes. Koreduga can cause rain and, with the help of their fetishes, solve crop problems. Before becoming Koreduga, a person undergoes training in several secret alliances. Until a person learns to understand herbs and to be free and wise, he cannot become Koreduga. The activities of the Koreduga are very multifaceted; today they take part in many festive events, performing an entertainment function. It helps them today to earn money and conduct their traditional activities. Today Koreduga, like some other traditional practices, is still quite popular. They have retained their skills and use them to help people. Laughter helps the tradition to survive and to be popular for a long time, precisely because the tradition can serve as entertainment. The institute of Koreduga is included in the List of Intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent safeguarding.