Since wrestling matches take place in a ring of dirt and sand, I observed that Senegalese wrestling is very connected to the earth! During the matches, wrestlers cover themselves in water and dirt, making it harder for their opponent to grip on to them. Before each match, men perform a dance where they stomp the ground, and musicians use djembes and other traditional drums to mimic their beat. Matches are also typically performed during the time of the crop harvest where the winning village will win food from the other.
