W3R1501: Senegalese Community gathering, Maylands, 29 September 2012

Summary

The Senegalese Community of WA gather together on a fortnightly basis to meet and discuss any problems or issues within the community or in individual families. The community also share a meal together. Families take it in turn to host the event. I was invited to share a meal with the community. Women and men eat in separate areas. We ate traditional Senegalese food consisting of a fish, chilli and vegetable dish cooked with rice in a tomato stock. The food is eaten with one hand out of a communal bowl. After the meal was finished the women made some traditional tea with, mint and sugar and tealeaves. Tea was served to the men whilst they played cards. The women helped each other modify their wigs, which have been imported from Senegal. The clothing worn is also traditional clothing from Senegal. The men stopped for prayer after lunch. Saturday 29th September 2012. - Louise Whelan.