August 13, 2013: Crazy fishing at Lake Antogo, Mali

[Undertoad]

via Amusing Planet:

Everything here is parched as the dry season reaches its peak, leaving only one sacred pond full of catfish. Every year, an ancient fishing ritual called Antogo is carried out in the lake – a spectacle that is worth seeing.

A small lake fed by the waters of the Niger River and is rich in fish. Thirteen residents living nearby villages - the Dogon tribe - consider it a sacred lake. Therefore, it is forbidden to fish all year round - except for on one day.

On the day of Antogo hundreds of Dogon come from all parts of the country to Bamba’s lake, a pond the size of an Olympic swimming pool. They crowd around the lake – kids, young and old men – armed with cone-shaped fishing baskets and other hand made tools to catch the fish.

The frenzy lasts for only about 15 minutes. The intensity of the moment is extreme, huge, and overwhelming.

All of a sudden 400 bare-chested men jump wildly into the lake grabbing whatever they can. About 15 minutes later a gunshot marks the end of the ritual.

All fish captured are put into a leather bag and given to the oldest man of Bamba, who will ensure proper distribution among all villages.