As I await the interview and filming of the Griotte in the Market and at her home. I think it would be interesting to have a double interview, Ndeye Fall and the Griotte together. Since it is said that Griottes are the keepers of culture, in this case Ceebu jen it would be very profitable to see the meeting of the minds. Both Ndeye Fall and the Griotte perpare this revered national emblem and yet one is said to prepare it purely for commercial means and is passed up for the Griotte when Cheb is desired for ceremonial purposes. A conversation between these two parties would unearth many questions about Cheb's true purpose and place in the Senegalese cultural landscape and if you like developmental psychology. This interview would occur purely in Wolof because both women are most able to communicate via this linguistic medium. I would employ the help of my friend Awa Yomb, a historian and Masters Student at the local University to serve as an intermediary. I have explained thee purpose of my project and in fact she partially birthed this 'controversy' in my mind, because I mentioned that I was going to interview a market seller and she exclaimed. She asked why I would even bother when the Griottes are the keepers of Cheb secrets? She emphasised that people turn to Griottes for their Cheb needs, for weddings, funerals, birthdays and all forms of ceremony, Griottes are the experts who prepare the culinary delights. So, I am confident that Awa is an able interlocutor and will be able to help me unearth this roff in the history of Ceebu jen.
Notes:
roff is the special spice masala used in preparing Cheb
Ceebu jen/Thiebou dien are 2 of many spellings of the dish
Awa Yomb is Sereer not Wolof
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