Julien Bonhomme, Magali De Ruyter, and Guy-Max Moussavou: Blurring the Lines. Ritual and Relationships between Babongo Pygmies and Their Neighbours (Gabon) 387-406

Abstract. – This article focuses on the ritual performance of relations between Babongo Pygmies and their neighbours in Gabon. Whereas the Babongo occupy socially subordinate positions visa- vis neighbouring populations, the bwiti initiation ritual inverses this relational form by placing Pygmies at its mythical point of origin. The Babongo, while performing at rituals, embody the “Pygmy” as he is construed by his neighbours. However, the profound changes of the bwiti ritual during the 20th century have facilitated the emancipation of the Babongo. In becoming fullblown ritual actors, they enact bwiti’s origin myth for their own sake. Thus subaltern actors emerge as central participants on the ritual scene. [Gabon, Babongo Pygmies, ritual, myth, interethnic relations, social change]