Sagine: Martial art of Suri tribe to woo their lover

28Aug,2023

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Saginé, a term synonymous with ceremonial dueling, is a traditional martial art deeply rooted in the culture of the Suri people.

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Saginé

This form of stick fighting is not merely a sport but a significant social ritual that carries immense importance within their community.

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Stick fight

This form of stick fighting is not merely a sport but a significant social ritual that carries immense importance within their community.

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Stick fight

The practice of saginé serves as a rite of passage for young Suri men, offering them an opportunity to earn respect and prestige, particularly when it comes to seeking a bride.

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Fight for one's lover

These duels are highly competitive and can carry the risk of serious injury or even death, reflecting the intensity and gravity with which they are undertaken.

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Duel

Saginé events typically occur between different villages during harvest time, drawing large audiences who witness the combatants, numbering 20 to 30 from each side

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Friendly fight 

Despite the inherent dangers, including fatalities from blows to the abdomen and occasional escalations into shooting incidents due to personal disputes, the tradition persists even in the face of Ethiopian laws that prohibit such practices.

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Fatalities