Création d'un monde éthéré, Esther Calixte-Bea

The Fyète Souhou-te: Proud to be chosen by God, The people of the tribe, The Divine, Women and Men Text by Esther Calixte-Bea Fyète: pride in creole, women, proud Souhou: divine in guéré Te: affaire in guéré Fyète Souhou-teî: chief, leader, mother Kéa-nin: godly in guéré, or warrior in Calixte-Bea’s personal translation The Tribe’s Creation: Myth & Fact Calixte-Bea created a tribe inspired by her personal life and the Wè Tribe which she belongs to. The Fyète Souhou-te live on a small island under Côte d’Ivoire. It is believed that God broke off the island from the country Himself. It has pine trees and landscapes that resemble ones found in Canada and is referred to, by the tribe, as ‘Té’ which means earth or my affaire (thing).

The tribe’s name much like Calixte-Bea’s last name consists of a Haitian (creole) and Ivorian (guéré) word. The Fyète Souhou-te tribe embraces female body hair and celebrates it through their different artistic and ritualistic practices. Body hair is a symbol of maturity and fertility. It is seen as sacred and essential to the women’s identity. Fyète rituals include the braiding of pubic hair, which showcases each individual’s particular style, personality and creativity. Styling the hair on their head and even facial hair is also important in rituals and daily life. Their hairstyles, clothing and colours tell a story and is a way to express their individuality among the tribe members. Some rather wear the colours chosen by their families, while others that choose to stand out create their own designs. Fyète Souhou-te are taught at a young age how to make garments, style their hair and body hair through various braiding techniques.