Unique Tribal Sports Played In Africa: Africa’s tribal sports heritage is full of diversity and ancient traditions. The unique tribal sports that are played in Africa represent more than just physical activity; they carry tradition, heritage, and echoes of communal values with them. Some of these games have been historically played and have shaped the way African children have been exposed to these indigenous sports.
These are some of the unique tribal sports played in Africa:
Laamb (wrestling)
Laamb, or ‘Lamb,’ is a Senegalese wrestling that is said to have been around for a period of more than 100 years is one of the most popular and culturally significant wrestling sports from Senegal. It is a unique sport that has certain ceremonies and music associated with it, which provides social and entertainment value, and was primarily a form of recreation for fishermen and farmers. The rules of the sport are simple: whoever is the first one to flip their opponent on their back wins. There are different versions of this game, one in which wrestlers have to refrain from using their hands and the other where throwing jabs and punches is allowed. There is a spiritual aspect behind this sport, and it is believed that the real fight takes place in the spiritual realm.
Dambe (boxing)
Dambe is a traditional boxing style that has its origins in the Northern part of Nigeria amongst the Hausa people, who are the largest ethnic group in Africa, and played it during the harvest or festival time. It also dates back centuries. What makes this a unique tribal sport that is played in Africa is the aspect of it that involves tying or wrapping one hand with ropes, making it a spear, and using the other hand to defend.
Genna
Genna is a form of stick fighting that traces to Ethiopian culture and among the highland tribes. It is also a sport that is played during the harvest or festival time. It is similar to field hockey and is generally played around Christmas. It is also known as ‘Sand Hockey’ and is played with he help of wooden sticks and a ball. The wooden stick is known as ‘Genna’.
Nguni Stick Fighting
Nguni Stick Fighting is a sport that was popular amongst the indigenous Nguni people, known as Zulus. It is a ceremonial sport that is also combative in nature and involves sticks and shields, which in a way symbolize warrior training.
Engolo
Engolo is a martial art that originates from Angola and is also known as “Ngolo”. It involves acrobatic dance-like moves. It is celebrated as an indigenous combat tradition and is significant when it comes to the display of the Angolan heritage and warrior spirit, which is why it is one of the unique tribal sports played in Africa.
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