Sights in Ouagadougou
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Moro-Naba Palace Ceremony
Such is the influence of the Moro-Naba of Ouagadougou, the emperor of the Mossi and the most powerful traditional chief in Burkina Faso, that the government will still make a show of consulting him before making any major decision. The portly present Moro-Naba (the 37th) is, typically for his dynasty, an imposing figure.
The Moro-Naba ceremony (la cérémonie du Nabayius Gou), takes place every Friday at the Moro-Naba Palace. It's a very formal ritual that lasts only about 15 minutes. Prominent Mossis arrive by taxi, car and moped (also known as mobylettes), greet each other and sit on the ground according to rank: in the first row sit the Moro-Naba's spokesman and his ch…
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Musée National
After its long-awaited move to new premises, the Musée National has been left a little out on a limb, almost 10km east of the town centre. The displays of the various masks, ancestral statues (especially from Lobi country) and traditional costumes of Burkina Faso's major ethnic groups are the highlights.
The museum is still a work-in-progress - the various dusty pavilions (one for each region of the country) are marooned and somewhat bereft in the expansive grounds, and the labelling (French-only) is haphazard. To get there, take a taxi, or take Sotrao bus 1 which runs from the city centre along Ave de la Nation.
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Musée De La Musique
The Musée De La Musique is a good place to spend an hour if you have an interest in traditional music. The uncluttered displays in an imaginatively designed exhibition space include tambours (drums), flutes, xylophones and luth (harps) from around the country. Among the highlights are the impressive lan or castagnettes de pieds (foot castanets).
There are informative labels in French throughout, and a guide will show you around (a tip is appreciated) but it's only worthwhile if you speak French; otherwise he'll simply point and say 'drum'.
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Thomas Sankara's Grave
Thomas Sankara's Grave is on the depressing and ill-kept eastern outskirts of Ouagadougou, and is one of a number in the area belonging to high-profile supporters of his government. There's not a lot to see, but it's a poignant reminder of a more hopeful time in Burkina Faso's recent history and a site of enormous political significance. The grave is about 6km east of the city centre.
To get there, charter a taxi for the hour, although some drivers won't take you because roads close to the grave are in a dire state.
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