Hammadi, the Initiate of Kaïdara

Fulɓe pastoral initiatory tradition · mortal · Fulɓe pastoral initiatory tradition traditional religion; continuing · mortal

Hammadi is the protagonist of the initiatory poem Kaïdara, one of three companions — with Hamtoudo and Dembourou — who descend to the land of the dwarf-genies to reach Kaïdara, god of gold and knowledge. Where his companions covet only material wealth and perish, Hammadi seeks understanding of the mysterious signs he witnesses and, on the return road, surrenders his riches for three pieces of wisdom. His success embodies the tradition's teaching that the true initiate values knowledge above gold.

Domains

hidden knowledge

Powers

to interpret the enigmatic symbols met on the initiatory road
to renounce gold in exchange for words of wisdom

Relations

subordinate to: Kaïdara, Deity of Gold and Hidden Knowledge

Sources

Amadou Hampâté Bâ, Kaïdara: récit initiatique peul, Les Classiques Africains, Julliard, Paris, 1969.
Amadou Hampâté Bâ, Contes initiatiques peuls (Njeddo Dewal, mère de la calamité; Kaïdara), Collection Motifs, Stock, Paris, 1994.

Open in the interactive app →