This was captured during a traditional festival called Ivola in Togo on July 14, 2014. Ivola is one of several coming of age ceremonies unique to the Kabiye, the predominant ethnic group of the Kara region of Togo. This week long festival consists of young, Kabiye men participating in wrestling matches and traditional dances meant to demonstrate strength and courage. The origins of these ceremonies date back to the slave trade, when southern tribes were armed by Europeans to capture the northern tribes and transport them to the ports to be sold into slavery. The northern tribes created these ceremonies as a way for their men to prepare themselves to defend their people. This photo shows one of the participants dancing during the celebration in one of the village best known for their traditional performances.