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 becomea 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.