Eating Etiquette

The first serving of food is given to the guests. Fathers are served before other family members because he is the family's head. Sometimes parents will let their kids eat fast or in advance so they can get to bed early. Men, women, and children can eat in different groups.

It's unusual to eat by yourself. Refusing a host's offer of food is quite impolite. Avoid using your full mouth to speak. The best goat, sheep, or fowl from the family may be served to very important guests. Some tribes may offer a bull sacrifice in honor of a visiting leader or highly esteemed individual. The honoree is then required to leap over the animal to rid its body of any contaminants.

Then, in order to rid the animal's body of any evil spirits, the guest of honor is expected to jump over it. Calabash gourds that have been dried up and hollowed out can be used to make dining utensils (e.g. as bottles). This fruit resembles a long, thick melon.