PRATIQUES MAGIQUES ET EXTRACTION DE LOR SUR LE SITE ARTISANAL DE M BANGA AU NIGER : QUAND LE SYMBOLISME GUIDE LES ORPAILLEURS

Gold panning is an economic activity that involves several social actors at artisanal gold mining sites. Each actor develops their own strategy for obtaining gold. This article analyses the use of symbolism among gold panners at the artisanal gold mining site in M'banga. The methodological approach used to collect data is based on a mixed approach combining documentary research, participant observation, and individual and group interviews. Interview guides and a questionnaire covering 270 people were the data collection tools used. The results of this research reveal that gold miners use several magical practices in their search for gold, with the ultimate goal of gaining social prestige and climbing the social ladder. However, some practices are contrary to social ethics and sacralise historical sites, not to mention their negative impact on the environment through the excessive cutting of ecological niches for therapeutic purposes.