As the peacock fly
I had wanted to take a photo of indian peacocks actually flying for years. The large and heavy birds with their train of feathers are able to fly, but often they prefer walking. Flying is hard work.
Not this one. He and his flock of peafowls where walking on the roofs of the buildings of the Lamido palace in Ngouandéré. Getting around meant flying. And I spent some quality time walking after them waiting for the jump and flight.
The local chieftain/king/Lamido in Nguandere had this old, classic symbol of power and wealth - peacocks wandering free in his private gardens.
They are not elegant flyers.
Royal symbol
The indian name for peafowl is Mayura, meaning killer of snakes. Understandably, a fashion statement that is actually useful probably help them being closely connected to culture and power.
Killing of snakes is also symbolic for cycling of time.
According to myths, the Mayura was created by feathers from Garuda, a highly important birddemigod in hinduism and buddhist culture.
Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu, have peafowl as her symbol.