Horns have historically been associated with demons and devils because of Christianity’s influence on global culture. But in pre-colonial Africa, horns held different cultural, economic and sometimes religious significance. In Ghana and particularly among the Akan group, the cow horns are the most valuable, significant and important part of the cow used in the royal court for various traditional and cultural reasons.
In Kenya and Tanzania, an important part of the Maasai’s way of life is constructed around cattle herds. In the Maasai mythology, the God Enkai sent the cattle sliding down a rope from the heavens into their safekeeping, making herding a central part of the cultural identity of the Maasai people.
"Ankole" (2022) is a visual exploration of the story of the Maasai God Enkai as well as an exploration of the cultural significance of horns within Eastern African cultures. By showcasing this particular aspect of the Maasai culture and mythology, this series aims at interrogating how some of the elements of our African cultures have overtime been demonized thanks to the colonial agenda.
Photography & Writing: Yannis Davy Guibinga
Headpiece: Mary Ketterling
Featuring: Atlas Hapy