Hyena Feeding Ritual

In the ancient city of Harar, Ethiopia, a unique and mesmerizing tradition unfolds each night at the edge of the city walls – the Hyena Feeding Ritual. As dusk descends and the city’s vibrant hues give way to the soft glow of twilight, a group of brave men, known as “hyena men,” gather to partake in a ritual that has been passed down for generations. Armed with baskets of meat, these men call out to the wild hyenas that roam the outskirts of Harar. In an extraordinary display of trust and understanding between man and beast, the hyenas emerge from the shadows, drawn by the scent of food and the familiar call of the hyena men. The ritual is a breathtaking dance of coexistence, where the fierce nocturnal creatures gently take meat from the hands, or even the mouths, of their human counterparts, a scene that blurs the line between the wild and the civilized.

This nightly ritual is not just a spectacle; it holds deep cultural significance for the people of Harar. The hyenas are considered natural custodians, believed to cleanse the city by consuming waste and protecting the residents from evil spirits. The bond between the hyena men and these misunderstood animals is a testament to Harar’s respect for nature and the balance of coexistence. Visitors who witness this ritual are often awestruck by the surreal harmony that exists in this moment, where fear is replaced by fascination, and the boundary between wild and urban life momentarily vanishes. The Hyena Feeding Ritual in Harar is more than a tradition; it’s a powerful symbol of the city’s rich heritage and its profound connection to the natural world.