In Bazoulé, a village about 30 kilometers from the capital of Burkina Faso, it is common to see villagers sitting on crocodiles. Children often swim in the same pond that houses over a hundred of these reptiles. The villagers consider the crocodiles to be more than just animals; they believe these creatures hold the souls of their ancestors.
The relationship between the villagers and the crocodiles is rooted in a legend. According to the story, during a severe drought, the villagers ran out of water until a crocodile led the women to a hidden pond. Grateful for this discovery, the villagers celebrated, and since then, they have revered the crocodiles. This tale is thought to date back to the 15th or 16th century and explains why harming a crocodile is considered taboo.
Another story suggests that the crocodiles came from the sky with the rains, and if they were to disappear, the water would vanish as well. This myth connects the crocodiles to the vital water supply for the village.
The crocodiles in Bazoulé are West African crocodiles, known scientifically as Crocodylus suchus. This species was recognized by scientists in 2011 after genetic testing showed it was different from the Nile crocodile. Generally, West African crocodiles are less aggressive, although there have been recorded attacks on people. The calm atmosphere in Bazoulé may be due to regular feeding; villagers provide the crocodiles with chicken and fish.
Bazoulé is not the only village with sacred crocodiles. Other locations, such as Sabou in Burkina Faso and Paga in Ghana, also have their own crocodile ponds. Every October, Bazoulé holds a festival where villagers offer chickens, goats, sheep, and even donkeys to the crocodiles.
The festival, known as Koom Lakre, is traditionally held on the last Sunday of October. It features drumming, dancing, and offerings. The main offering is presented to the oldest male crocodile, known as the “old man of the lake.” While visitors’ crocodiles receive chickens, the old man is given sheep, goats, and sometimes small donkeys.
When a sacred crocodile dies, villagers bury it in a coffin with rituals similar to those for deceased villagers. The burial place is an unmarked cemetery in a grove that is closed to tourists. The villagers do not sell the crocodile skins for leather, even though they could be valuable.
However, the crocodile pond is facing challenges. The pond is shrinking due to declining rainfall, and issues such as insecurity and reduced tourism are putting additional pressure on the community. Tourists have been visiting since the early 1960s, and the crocodiles have become a significant attraction.
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Source: Bored Panda, by Aleksandra