The 54 sovereign states of today's Africa play host to a wide range of traditional customs and celebrations, many of which date back many hundreds or thousands of years. Many have deep religious and social significance, such as the rites of the wandering marabouts of Senegal and the fetish priestesses of Cote d'Ivoire. Others are more personal affairs, based on music-making, socialising or sharing a dance. In many, too, women play a significant or exclusive role.