Located in the region of Fatick, and in the heart of the department of Foundiougne, the commune of Soum is a veritable melting pot of culture and traditions. This commune, where majestic nature meets a centuries-old cultural heritage, is also the scene of a striking tension between ancestral customs and modern principles of equality and social justice. This phenomenon is seen in the light of deeply rooted social dynamics, but also the challenges of a changing society. The griots occupy a special place in Senegalese and West African society. They are the bearers of history, songs, and stories that unite communities. They are social mediators, artists and holders of the sacred word. However, despite their capital importance, they are confronted with a form of symbolic marginalization, notably in death. In the commune of Soum, it is common that griots are not buried in the cemeteries reserved for other members of the commune.
Delta du Saloum: between tradition and equality, the confrontation of values
