Foto: The voodoo market of Lome (bron: Ronald van der Veer)

Togo - After lunch at a local restaurant, we drive to the Fetish Market, a few kilometers from the Grand Market. There is much activity on the streets along the way. I am amazed. “Fetish,” derived from the French word fétiche, is part of the animist belief. An animist believes in good and evil spirits, which can inhabit trees, animals, and everyday objects. Spirits must be appeased through offerings, rituals, and ritual dances. Animism permeates every aspect of followers’ lives. A fetish is an object with supernatural powers and influence over people. The fetish market is a colorful collection of dead animals, monkey heads, antlers, and various skulls, giving it a somewhat frightening appearance. In two groups, we receive explanations at one of the stalls. At the back is an offering area where voodoo practices are explained and various items are shown for general luck, wisdom, and health. Items can also be purchased. I choose a necklace with voodoo shells. Before the opening price is mentioned, others must leave the space. Using four shells, the voodoo god is consulted for the price. Three times, the shells fall with two open and two closed. I have a maximum price in mind and wait. The voodoo god is favorable to me: instead of 20,000 CFA (about 30 euros), the necklace costs only 12,000. This is far below my maximum price. My counteroffer of 500 is not accepted. We do not reach an agreement. With all the added emotion, negotiating with the voodoo god is difficult. Without making a purchase, I board the bus again.

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Tata Castle houses

Togo - We continue toward a genuine Tamberma village with Tata houses. Antoin, the tribal chief, officially welcomes us, after which his son Josef guides us through the village. Soon, we are approached by villagers wanting to sell small souvenirs—women, men, ...

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