Inchema
Inchema, also known as Mabifian wrestling (Gaullican: Lutte mabifienne) is a traditional combat sport originating among the Barobyi people of southern Mabifia. A form of folk wrestling, the sport is codified by a set of rules and taboos which have led to Inchema's qualification as an indispensable ritualised part of traditional ceremonies such as harvest festivals and coming of age ceremonies. While Inchema was originally practiced solely by Barobyi, it grew in prominence during the colonial era when it was secularised and codified into a combat sport which was used to train the Tirailleurs baïens for combat. In the modern day, both the secular (Inchema Ichya) and ritual (Inchema Gakondo) forms are practiced, with the secular form being a popular sport across Mabifia.
Goal
The sport itself is relatively simple, especially in its secular form. Two fighters fight against each other, and must force the other to the ground using grappling methods. Blows with the hands are not permitted, though kicks are allowed to the opponents thighs and shins. In Inchema Gakondo, the older ritual form, the fighters must wear a rope with a totem around their neck which can be pulled in the fight, and must mutter the name of a deity under their breath. Rythyms can also be drummed by a priest, which requires the fighters to coordinate their footwork with the tune.
History
At its origins, Inchema was a method to keep warriors in shape for combat, and it is believed that it took on a more religious form after the Bahian Consilidation when warfare itself took on a more religious bent. However, this claim is rejected by many Barobyi elders who maintain that it has always been a ritualised sport. Several folk tales are based around the exploits of lutteurs, which shows how important the sport was to the Barobyi concepts of masculinity and strength. The arrival of Euclean colonists was followed by the introduction of Sotirianity and repression of Bahian fetishism, with the Barobyi being one of the first peoples to experience missionary work. The practice of the sport was common even among sotirianised Barobyi, leading to an effort led by Father Alain Berset to co-opt the sport for use by the Tirailleurs baïens, the native troops in service of the Gaullican Empire. This version of the sport, Inchema Ichya (New Inchema), was adopted by the Gaullican army and became the most popular form of the sport. Under the Mabifian Democratic Republic, Inchema Ichya was permitted and a national league was established which continues to this day. In the modern day, the sport remains popular across Mabifia, but its fetishist roots have led to some controversies in the Irfanic north.
Religious practices
Due to its symbolic importance as the proving ground of young men in Barobyi society, Inchema has traditionally been practiced at times which are associated with virility or induction. For example, Inchema Gakondo matches are an essential part of the ceremonies which mark the beginning of the harvest period, as this is a time where young men are required to conduct intensive labour in order to collect enough crops. It is also practiced during the induction rites of many Initiatory societies, and has historically involved prizes such as marrying a notable's daughter.
During the fights, lutteurs would typically wear face and body paint which was believed to make them stronger and more able to fight. Consumption of palm wine or M'boundou was also common, as they were believed to better permit one's ancestor spirits to speak during the combat and allow the lutteur to fight better.
Kwakagabo
A controversial aspect of Inchema Gakondo is Kwakagabo, or ritual fellation of the loser by the winner. This was highly symbolic, and it was believed that through this act the winner was able to obtain some of the loser's spirit. The spread of Sotirianity and Irfan, which were opposed to same-sex sexual activity, led to the condemnation of this practice, as well as the danger of sexually transmitted diseases. While Kwakagabo is still sometimes practiced, this is primarily limited to secret fights within initiatory societies.
Modern competition
Inchema is governed by the Fédération nationale d'Inchema, which organises a national league and oversees local federations. The national league is limited to Inchema Ichya. The top lutteurs are treated as celebrities and can win thousands of Mabifian Ceeci for each match.