.

"The Joys of Nyama" - Part 2

Go back to "The Joys of Nyama" - Part 1

After the hunt, and after the elephant has been skinned and choice meat selected for staff and the local tribal chieftain, the free for all rush of the meat hungry locals occurs.

At times violent, pushing, shoving, stealing, tugging, it is still a fun time for all. And Africans know how to have fun. It was Karen Blixen whom said, the worst thing for an African is routine and drudgery. Get in there, get some, and also have fun. And what joy is expressed afterwards.

"Nyama", Swahili for Meat, from East Africa but sometimes used also in other parts of Africa. Nyama, enough for all, for a while, until the next elephant is hunted, perhaps months away. Unless the poacher's snare yields some wild fruit.

The villagers here have had many hours to wait. The cow elephant hunted the evening before, has lain in the jesse all night. Her herd had defended her carcase at least three times, driving us out of the bush, each time we approached. Having shot her with a couple of "insurance shots" into the chest, and been chased out, backing out of the trees guns raised each time, it was decided to come back after dawn.

Villagers had begun to gather already nearby, but we're warned by PH Paul not to go to the elephant or they would be killed.

During the night anxious thoughts, "was it really a brain shot" and "why did I put both insurance shots in exactly the same place in the chest?" "Will it be there still tomorrow?"

Approaching by vehicle the next morning, no one in sight, 'Oh no, I thought, they have already begun to chop up the elephant before we can take some photos!"

The next morning.

But no, being smart and knowing the day will begin with an elephant being butchered they have stayed in bed or their huts and villages until the sound of the vehicle is heard.

After pulling up, soon a stream of people carrying axe and knife, bucket and bag to be filled, comes in from every direction.

But first they must wait patiently for the silly whities photos and filming, but do help clearing bush and tree out of the way.

The local villagers join in clearing some brush pre-photos.

All right, this guy "Foreman Gus" - because he seemed like an expert and gave a lot of orders - really needed a new shirt. I wish I had a spare one with that morning.

Then the staff skinning the animal, though some skilled with the knife join in and help. Makes it go quicker.

Still waiting patiently ............

Finally, everything has been done, and it is time for ...

the first mad rush ...

... and survival of the fittest!

Cool shirt dude awaits unsure of whether to jump in.

Got some!

Get in there!

Mmmmmm, stomach lining, must be good, lets have a four way tug of war. slipping and sliding around ......

"Foreman Gus" holds his meat in his teeth, so he can also tug on the lining ...

Everyone gathers together for a group photo.

Don't be shy!

It is recommended in most recipes to nicely marinade the elephant meat first for additional flavour and texture.

Anyway that is what Nigella says in her "Nigella Express" cookbook.

Note the resemblance of the name to "Nitro Express". I think Nigel Lawson's young daughter just might be a shooter. .

Cool shirt dude, Get in there, or you'll miss out!

The Chief's rations are secure. He has 39 children to feed after all.

Colonel Mpofu's "Old Kariba Recipe" for "Elephant in a Bucket".

Cool outfit too!

Watch out below ... count the multiple axes flying ...

"Hey, I used to have two hands and ten fingers!" said the guy in the grey shirt turning and searching, "I think they are around here somewhere?"

The Cool shirt dude again, happy and armed! We called him "Sir"!

Very happy.

Buckets and bags full.

OK, this photo is out of sequence, from the second ele, but shouldn't this guy be servicing a jet aircraft somewhere?

Having a happy dance.

Was that an elephant only 25 minutes ago?

Chopping. Only a few are game to put their hands in now ...

"Ma, we're going to need a big soup pot for these bones."

There was an elephant here only 30 minutes ago, where has it gone?!

Putting a smile on a young ladies face.

"Nyama Tonight!"

EVERYONE'S HAPPY.

What meat is not eaten immediately, is sliced up into thin strips and hung onto trees and thorn bushes.

The environs of the villages become festooned with meaty ribbons as if for a festival.

The simple food of meat, eaten every day or most days bv us. Possibly every meal.

What we take for granted is a special occasion for some.

OK this is very important, I hope I am standing back far enough, so she looks BIG now!

Go back to "The Joys of Nyama" - Part 1