"Baby Kankuran"

I don’t know much about them, but the “Kankuran” comes around Kachikally often. They are in customes of mostly red and black like a masquerade.

When i asked about them, my friend explained that they are protective spirits. When boys from the community are circumcised they must be present to protect them from vampires and “djinns” who want to suck their blood.

Children and some adults usually run when the “Kankuran” comes around. He usually has two machetes which he claps constantly clashing them, giving off a sharp cutting sound. He “yelps and wails” as he dances and runs around.

The tradition as far as I have seen it, brings men and boys together. I think a “Kankuran” ‘secret society’ exist; where younger boys are initiated into the practice of playing the “Kankuran”.

The Kanuran is also a form of entertainment in the community. When he is known to be present in Kachikally, evenings come alive with the excitement of children running around and crowds gathering to view the “Kankuran” “performing”.

“Baby Kankurans” are little boys who admire and aspire to become a “Kankuran” one day. Boys can be seen imitating the Kankuran daily after he has passed through.

In this series a Baby “Kankuran” came to the beach as i sat enjoying a cup of coffee. I took the opportunity to make some photos but i had to pay him. Performing as a “Kankuran” is also a way that some youths try to make money.