FRIDAY; BECOMING A MAN | teewoodsphotography

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BECOMING A MAN. The community of Ozalla holds an annual cultural festival, Ivbhamen, celebrated for decades. Ivbhamen is performed by every male child in the village of Ozalla. Each celebrants father, explains the important right of passage into manhood from childhood. One day he will fetch the Calabash {Water Jug} in a secret river reserved solely for this occasion. Celebrants gather together as the sunrises until far after it sets. My husband and I captured Friday and his transition from young adult to manhood in the eyes of his community. To view the documentary trailer click "Motion Content". in the Navigate section.

Cultural Beading {specifically made for each male}

Empty Calabash {before the river rituals}

FRIDAY

"AGBADA", {traditional ceremonial garment worn by each male}

Tradition to arrive at the Eldest member of the communities home

Before the age mate gathering, elder's conduct the final adjustments while praying and singing

Every celebrant is walked by his family to gather with his age mates

Friday and his age mates {all celebrants} gathered together before the river rituals. {from this point on, no cameras or video are permitted until they return to this location}

Each male is lead by security along the road to the secret river

Calabash Carrier {arrivial from the river}

Young seller following the crowd after celebrants return

Celebrants family gather around Friday after his return from the River. He has completed the passage to Manhood