One of the most prominent and ancient ritual among the Diola people (also known as Jola, Dyola and Yola people who reside primarily on the Atlantic coast that is between the southern banks of the Gambia River, the Casamance region of Southern Senegal and the northern part of Guinea – Bissau) the “Bukut”, or initiation takes place every 20… Read more

“Bondo”, which is sometimes used interchangeably with “Sande”, is a society exclusively for females in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea and the borders of the Ivory Coast. Most women belonging to the ethnic groups of Temne, Mende, Vai, Kissi, Lele, Susu, Gola, Bassa, Kpelle, Bom, Belle, Gbandi, Loma, Dei, Kim, Kono and others are initiated into… Read more

Beads have always been a vital part of material culture throughout Afrika and simultaneously serve sacred, secular, social and aesthetic functions. In West Afrika in particular, beads adorn the hair and body in the form of headdresses; earrings; necklaces; arm, wrist and ankle bracelets; belts; and sashes. Beads do also adorn everyday… Read more