Senoufo's Poro

As an initiation rite by West African countries such as Guinea, Mali, Liberia and Côte d'Ivoire, the Poro (heritage) is an initiation system which is used to train young boys from the age of 7 and girl considered as asexual (before any period has started and after menopause). Practiced in the sacred wood "Sizanga" by the Senoufo, an Ivorian ethnic group, the Poro has a cultural and educational aspect in Côte d'Ivoire.

The initiation takes place in 3 main stages, each lasting 7 years. We have the "Kouord" who teaches the initiate from the age of 7 the meaning of sacrifice. Then the " Tcholo", which leads the latter to reflect on the theological, philosophical, social and professional meaning of life. This is the place to reveal some precious secrets to him. And finally the " Kaffono" which represents the ripe age of initiation; supreme knowledge and ascension to the closed cycle of masked initiates.