What was the role of the Poro society?
Membership in the poro is necessary for anyone in a position of authority. In addition to enforcing Mende law, the poro and other secret societies educate boys and girls, regulate sexual conduct, and concern themselves with agricultural fertility and military training; men masked…
Where is the Mende tribe located?
The Mende are predominantly found in the Southern Province and the Eastern Province, while the Temne are found primarily in the Northern Province and the Western Area, including the capital city of Freetown. Some of the major cities with significant Mende populations include Bo, Kenema, Kailahun, and Moyamba.
Where did the Mende tribe come from?
Mende, people of Sierra Leone, including also a small group in Liberia; they speak a language of the Mande branch of the Niger-Congo family. The Mende grow rice as their staple crop, as well as yams and cassava.
Does the Sande Society still exist?
Today this social institution is found among the Bassa, Gola, Kissi, Kpelle, Loma, Mano and Vai of Liberia; the Kono, Limba, Mende, Sherbro, Temne and Yalunka of Sierra Leone; and in the northern and eastern extension of these ethnic groups in Guinea.
What is the culture of Sierra Leone?
The people of Sierra Leone are well known for their friendliness and hospitality, with a relaxed pace on life. The locals are expressive and joyful, and religious beliefs and customs are very much present in everyday life. Greetings are very important in Sierra Leonean culture, and elders are especially respected.
What is Bondo in Sierra Leone?
Bondo Society is a secretive tradition of women in Sierra Leone that is steeped in mythology, but it has the genital mutilation of young girls and women as a central pillar. Even talking about the Society, women believe, puts them at risk of ‘curses’ and ‘demons’.
Is Mende a Bantu?
The first is the Mande language group, which resembles Mandinka in structure, and includes Mende, Susu, Yalunka, Koranko, Kono, and Vai. The second group is the semi bantu group, which includes Temne, Limba, Bullom (or Sherbro), and Krim. The grammar and pronunciation of Krio is similar to many African languages.
Is Mende a Bantu language?
Unlike most Bantu languages of the Niger-Congo language family, Mende does not divide nouns into distinct noun classes.
What is the Mende culture?
The Mende culture consists of two main societies- the Poro and the Sande. The primary role of both societies are the same in that they intend to teach people the expectations of the community, but they are distinguishable from each other by group members’ gender. The Poro is for men and the Sande is for women.
What is the difference between Poro and Sande?
Sande is a secret female society (Norway 30 Mar 2010, 3; Equality Now 2 Oct. 2015, 2). Poro is its male equivalent (IBIS 18 Apr.
What is Poro society in Liberia?
The Poro, or Purrah or Purroh, is a men’s secret society in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and the Ivory Coast, introduced by the Mande people. It is sometimes referred to as a hunting society and only males are admitted to its ranks. The female counterpart of the Poro society is the Sande society.
What is Sierra Leone famous for?
Sierra Leone Is Infamous For Blood Diamonds Sierra Leone is also known around the world for its blood diamonds (also commonly referred to as conflict or war diamonds) which were mined and sold for weapons during the country’s violent civil war from 1991 to 2002.
Where do the Mende people live in Sierra Leone?
The Vai people refer to Mende people as Huro or Wuro. Mende-speaking people occupy southern and eastern Sierra Leone, and there is a small group in Liberia. Their territory falls within the rain forest belt that spans West Africa. The terrain consists of fertile hills to the north; in the south and coastal areas there are plains and swamps.
What are the secret societies of the Mende?
The secret ” Poro ” society is for men while ” Sande ” society for women both of whom initiate the young into adulthood. Those who join either of the male or female secret societies are referred to as: The halemo are members of the hale or secret societies, and kpowa are people who have never been initiated into the hale.
Where are the Mende and Temne people located?
The Mende and Temne each account for slightly more than 30% of the total population [1]. The Mende are predominantly found in the Southern Province and the Eastern Province, while the Temne are found primarily in the Northern Province and the Western Area, including the capital city of Freetown.
What did the Poro and Sande society do?
Vai In Vai …by secret societies known as poro and sande—for men and women, respectively. The modern Vai are largely Islāmized. Formerly known as slave traders, the Vai now rely on farming and fishing; many work in government or for foreign companies. Their crafts are well developed, especially weaving and goldsmithing.