Introduction
Since the inscription of the Guruna on the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list by UNESCO in 2025, confusion has arisen between this Massa practice and the Gurna, a similar tradition specific to the Toupouri. Although the two terms sound alike, they refer to deeply different cultural practices linked to distinct societies and value systems.
The Guruna: A Pastoral and Identity-based Tradition of the Massa
The Guruna is a pastoral, sociocultural, and artistic practice that brings together young Massa people, an ethnic group in Chad and Cameroon. It takes place during community ceremonies where young men learn to manage livestock, preserve traditional knowledge passed down by elders, and engage in singing, dancing, and storytelling that shape their identity. It is within this context that the Guruna was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This recognition highlights the importance of the practice for preserving Massa cultural identity, which is rooted in a close relationship with livestock and nature. Through these events, the community ensures the transmission of vital values, knowledge, and skills essential for its survival.
The Gurna among the Toupouri: Initiation and Social Rites
The Gurna of the Toupouri, while sharing similarities in its pastoral dimension, has distinct meanings and objectives. The term Gurna, sometimes written gourna or gürnã, refers to a male initiation ritual focused on milk consumption and preparation for marriage. It is a social club where young men, having reached puberty, are initiated into rites of passage leading to adulthood. This ritual involves activities such as consuming milk porridge, traditional songs, dances, and wrestling, which symbolize wealth and maturity. The weight gained during this period is seen as a sign of prosperity and social status in Toupouri society. There is also a Gurna for goat herders, practiced by young boys who imitate adults by dancing and singing at the funerals of elderly women. This contributes to their learning of Toupouri values while honoring their elders.
The Gurna as a Cultural Festival
Beyond the traditional practice, the Gurna Festival is a biennial international event that brings together the Toupouri, Kéra, and Wina from Chad and Cameroon. This festival celebrates the arts, dances, and cultures of these peoples and helps keep these practices alive in a modern context of intercultural exchange.
Distinguishing Guruna from Gurna: A Matter of Cultural Respect
Despite the phonetic similarities, it is essential not to confuse these two practices: Guruna is a tradition specific to the Massa, recognized by UNESCO, focusing on livestock management and the transmission of ancestral knowledge. Gurna is a Toupouri initiation, more linked to rites of passage into adulthood, wealth, and social maturity.
Conclusion
Guruna and Gurna are fundamental practices for their respective communities, but they manifest in different cultural, social, and geographic contexts. The inscription of Guruna by UNESCO has highlighted the importance of this Massa tradition, but it should not overshadow the richness of the Gurna initiation among the Toupouri. Respecting and acknowledging each tradition in its specificity is essential for a deep understanding of the cultural heritage of Chad and Cameroon.
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