Those who think the Europeans brought every civilization and knowledge to Africa might have to think again. The proof of this is that there was indeed an African tribe that skilfully manoeuvred their way around the enlargement of male genitals even before it became a thing in the west.
Long before the introduction of penis enlargement procedures and products, the Batammariba, otherwise known as Somba people from Togo and Benin, were experts in the enlargement and elongation of the manhood and this was done during initiation.
Occupying the mountainous regions of the two West African countries, the Batammariba were not only popular for their ancient elongation technique but also for their architectural expertise.
In Togo, they reside in the northeastern Kara regions of Northern Togo with the Kabye (kabre) people, who are the second-largest tribe in Togo.
In Benin, where they are known as Somba, they can be found around Atakora mountain range of northwestern Benin sharing a border with their Gur relatives in neighbouring Burkina Faso who also have a huge interest in architecture.
The penis elongation and enlargement procedure, which was mainly done among the Somba, was part of the processes to initiate boys into adulthood.
A traditional herb is pounded and robbed on the penis, then, a branch of a tree or ivory is cut and a hole of a particular size is made for the initiate.
The initiate puts his penis in it for some months until it reaches a particular size and length of his choice and can now remove it, according to historical accounts.
During the final public rites of initiation, rich clothes are draped over the shoulders of the initiates, cowries are hung around their necks and waists and horned headdresses are placed on their heads.
With an estimated population of over 176,000, the Batammariba migrated to their present location from the north and northwest around Burkina Faso where they were living with the Mossi people between the 16th and 18th centuries, historical research states.
A large percentage of animals go into Batammariba funerals which are often associated with rituals such as the dance of drums (Tibenti) to honour deceased elders and the “turning over” ceremony performed on the funeral house.
Basically, when a man dies, another initiation ceremony is done for him as a failure to do this will lead to the death of the deceased’s offspring.
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