It's Good to be Ewe . . . or a Camel!

Recently a new sound was heard on the compound . . . not the "sound of music" . . .  not the cry of a new baby . . . but the sound of "baaa-aaa, baaa-aaa!"  Yes, several members of the "sheep family" had taken up residence here, however, not of their own doing, and for some, it was to be not of their own liking!  

Tethered

"Footloose and Fancy Free"

They were purchased for a special occasion.  This being the end of the year (It still looks like July!), there were several local hospital employees who were retiring, and the lucky sheep (which would ONLY be the females, or ewes) were being given to those employees as gifts.  
You might say, the ewes were Galmi's version of the famed "gold watch!" 

You might ask, "Why are the ewes lucky?"  Because the ram's contribution to the celebration was "total involvement," which of course, means they were there to be the food for the festivities.


After Phil and I returned from a Biki, we discovered the rams were about to realize their fate at the hands of several professional men and their young trainees, who knew how to get the meat from "tether to table," you might say!  So, being adventurous, and not wanting to miss unique experiences here, Phil and I stood and watched the whole thing. Fascinating!!!  There is NO part of an animal that is wasted! 


At this point, I wish to issue a warning:   IF YOU ARE MEMBERS OF "PETA," OR HAVE A WEAK STOMACH, DO NOT ENLARGE THESE PICTURES!  SOME OF THEM MIGHT DISTURB YOU!  (Actually, I decided not to put most of them into this blog.) If you prefer, scroll down past these pictures to see the camels!


After the ram meets his demise, the hide must be removed.  For this, a person creates a hole through the lower leg and blows into it, like blowing up a balloon, which is exactly what happens:

Blowing Into the Leg to Loosen the Hide

The larger picture is omitted because it is too graphic!  After the skin is loosened this way, it is removed and added to the pile.  I am not too sure what happens to the hide; it probably goes to more "professionals" for tanning, and then onto another for selling.

The people of Niger are VERY resourceful; this is what there is to eat and it is reserved ONLY for special occasions.  On a daily basis, most people do not eat meat, and if they do, it is only a small portion that is used in a dish to be shared among many.

EVERY Part of the Ram is Used!

The main parts of the rams are ready to be cooked over the open fire, which is the way all cooking is done, whether by the roadside or outside the homes.  The other parts of the ram have been separated and cleaned on the wood mats, ready to be used in other ways.  Even heads and hooves get made into soup!  (Thanks, but no thanks!)

Proud Trainee

This young boy (maybe 12 years old?) had the "least desireable" job of cleaning some of the inside parts, but he kept looking at us and grinning, seeming to say, "I am proud to be old enough to be learning the job of a man!"  He did his job well and liked being photographed.

Ready to Eat!

The retirement party was successful, and employees went home with their ewes in tow and the rams inside!  The meat was mild and delicious, although I do not personally care for lamb, ram, etc.  Phil enjoyed it and we have some in the freezer for later.


So, if animal preparation and consumption is not to your liking, "feast" your eyes only on the fun with the camels!  This being the winter holidays, many students were "home" with their parents on the compound, and so a camel ride was arranged!

Camels Arriving

Waiting Patiently for the Riders

Off They Go!

These animals are amazing to me!  They are so big, and have what we would consider to be two knees.  Watching them kneel is fascinating!  Being ON one and having it stand up is a little scary to me!

Phil Mounts Up!

We Have Lift Off!

Off They Go!

Returning From the Adventure

After the first group returned, a second group went!  It was a fun, unique experience without mishap.  And the camels survived, too!  So, if you can't be ewe, it is best to be a camel!