Dambe

Histoire

Dambe is the traditional boxing of the Hausa people of northern Nigeria, Niger and neighbouring countries. It grew among butcher communities, who toured harvest festivals challenging local fighters.

Fighters wrap the strong hand — the "spear" — in cloth and cord and use the other hand to guard and grab. Kicks are allowed. A round ends when a fighter falls or the round is stopped, and fights traditionally have three rounds.

Le saviez-vous ?

• The lead leg was traditionally wrapped in a chain for kicking.
• Fights are accompanied by drummers and praise singers.
• Modern dambe is filmed and followed by millions online in Nigeria.

Glossaire des techniques

Spear (masa)

the wrapped striking hand

Shield

the open guarding hand

Armes et équipement

Kara

cloth and cord wrapping

Sources: Encyclopaedia Britannica