Predominantly desert, Mali is almost wholly dependent on the Niger River for its water supply. Situated in the heart of the country, Antogo is one of hundreds of unconnected lakes fed by the tributaries of the river during the monsoon. The lakes act as spawning grounds for catfish, and after the monsoon has passed and the tributaries have dried up, isolating the lakes, the stranded fish make easy pickings for local fishermen. Most of the lakes are harvested regularly, but because Antogo is considered to be sacred, it’s left untouched – except on one day each year, when a festival known as the Miracle of the Fishes takes place. The festival has its origins in the belief of the local Dogon people that the lake was discovered by a young girl from the village of Bamba while on her way to visit her sister in nearby Yanda. According to legend, both settlements staked their claim to the water and a bloody war broke out, from which the Bamba emerged victorious. Now, each year, they celebrate their victory over the Yanda.



August 2007