The Poro society is a traditional secret society among various West African ethnic groups, particularly the Mende and Temne peoples of Sierra Leone and Liberia. It plays a significant role in maintaining rituals and cultural commodification within the Sherbro communities of the Peninsula. The Poro and Sande societies are male and female secret societies that meet in sacred groves in the forest. The Poro is responsible for initiating boys into manhood, while the Sande initiates girls into womanhood. Both societies have held significant power in Liberian society and continue to do so.
The Poro Sande College is the Institution of Beginnings where man and woman first learn the rites of birth, adulthood, marriage, eldership, and other life stages. The Poro Sande Society has its own unique rituals, language, ancient Saharan script, tattooing, and symbols. Details of these rituals are scarce due to an oath of secrecy, but versions and iterations of these have been made public, such as Vai Script, Mende Script, and Kpelle syllabary.
In Sherbro practice, Poro men are not involved in the rituals, but they are not excluded from the rituals. The Sherbro community of the Peninsula has been working to maintain the Poro rituals and cultural commodification within the community.
📹 Life in a matriarchal society – On this island, women are in charge!
In southwestern Guinea Bissau there are some islands where a very special people live, the Bissago. What is it that makes them …
Who started Poro College?
Annie Malone’s legacy has been gaining national attention through the 2020 Netflix series, Self-Made, inspired by her business rival, Madam C. J. Walker. This renewed interest has led to several accomplishments, both locally and nationally, and has provided people with an opportunity to learn more about this remarkable woman. Malone was inducted into Peoria’s African American Hall of Fame Museum in February 2020 for her outstanding contributions in business.
The Netflix series and her updated book, The Hidden Story of Annie Turnbo Malone: The First Black Female Millionaire, have led to film interest in her story. The book has been adopted by Peoria Public Schools and other school districts around the country, and the author plans to include it on a supplemental basis. Malone’s legacy is a centerpiece of the Peoria Riverfront Museum’s exhibition “Community: African American Freedom, Perseverance and Leadership During Migration”, which attracted hundreds of visitors from Peoria and around the U.
S. Representatives from the St. Louis-based Annie Malone Children and Family Service Center and Annie Malone Historical Society, along with community leaders and government officials, attended the event.
What is a queen in Africa called?
The title of queen mother is an English term used to describe women in traditional African leadership roles. In the Akan peoples, it means “female ruler”. In the Ga tradition, it is called manye or “community mother”. In the Pabir tradition, it is called maigira, meaning “female monarch”. In the Benin tradition, it is known as iyobas. In Yorubaland, it is called an iya oba or “titled mother of the king”. The office of the queen mother is also known as the “stool”.
In Ghana, queen mothers are selected from the royal family of each town and village. They are considered the spiritual heads of their communities and the keepers of genealogical knowledge. They have veto power of the king or chief and may appoint their own ministers. Queen mothers preside over courts, where they can wield power over disputants and can assume full control of central authority when necessary. In some instances, they have acted as war leaders during the reign of Queen Yaa Asantewa.
Where is Poro Point located?
Poro Point, also known as San Fernando Point, is a headland and peninsula in San Fernando, La Union, Philippines. It projects northwest into the South China Sea and is the site of the Poro Point Freeport Zone, a special economic zone established since 1993. The peninsula forms the western boundary of San Fernando Bay, where the city’s downtown core and international seaport are located. It overlooks Lingayen Gulf and is 0. 8 kilometers wide, rising gently to an elevation of 84 feet.
The southern side of the peninsula contains the Thunderbird Resort, a Greek-inspired resort with white-sand beaches, a nine-hole golf course, and an artificial lake. The entire peninsula covers 1. 82 square kilometers and is a habitat for several migrating bird species. It is located 2. 3 kilometers from San Fernando Airport and 240 kilometers north-northwest of Manila. The point is part of barangay Poro but is administered by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority as a tourism and industrial estate.
Where is Poro Island located?
Poro Island is situated in the Cebu province and constitutes one of the four Camotes Islands, the others being Pacijan Island, Ponson Island, and Tulang Island. The island is home to two municipalities, Poro and Tudela, and is notable for its historical significance as one of the earliest Pacific contact sites. Notable tourist attractions on Poro Island include Bukilat Cave, Busay Falls, Pangunuron Falls, and Buho Rock.
What is the highest position in the Poro society?
This paper examines the socio-cultural power structures of the Poro and Bondo secret societies in post-conflict Sierra Leone, focusing on their interactions with internationalist human rights discourse. The study argues that these secret societies offer gendered and cultural spaces that serve as social and political mobilizing symbols, providing forums for counter-discourses about gender-based violence and human rights violations, particularly in relation to the campaign against female circumcision.
Despite internal tensions and squabbles, the Bondo secret society has gained most of its present-day solidarity by broadly disseminating the highly charged narrative that the society’s exposure leads to its destruction. The Bondo society has been able to maintain cohesion and defend its interests by appropriating and invoking traditional knowledge and ritual codes.
Since scholars have pointed out that secret societies can play a preponderant role in reconstruction and development initiatives by acting as a mobilizing symbol in fragile post-conflict states, local level reality suggests that the male-dominated Poro and women’s Bondo secret societies are being used to serve the personal interests of adherents, leading to gross human rights violations and human insecurity due to weak state structures following the decade-long civil strife (1991-2002). This misappropriation is a result of the patriarchal bargain based on mutual interdependence and collusion between these secret societies.
Using the Sowei Council, the official voice of the Bondo secret society, the paper examines the use of cultural codes by members of the society to maintain cohesion in the face of the transnational condemnation of the Defense of Culture (FGC) by anti-FGC advocates and their local allies in Sierra Leone.
What is the Poro?
In Sierra Leone, the men’s society is responsible for organizing initiations for boys and young men, which serve as a rite of passage and prepare them for adult life.
What is the Poro and Sande school in Liberia?
The Phoebe A. Hearst Museum of Anthropology has a collection of Liberian helmet masks from the Sande and Poro societies, found in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and the Ivory Coast. These societies are significant in local community life, teaching young men and women domestic skills and knowledge for marriage. Poro is the secret society for men, initiating boys into manhood, while Sande initiates girls into womanhood.
Masquerades are an essential component of these societies, with masked performers appearing during initiation ceremonies and other important social occasions. Sande masks, with their finely carved features and elaborate hairstyles, represent the epitome of female beauty. Masked performers, known as zogbe or sowei, play a central role in Sande ritual activities, embodying the spirit of the society and representing its principles and ideals. The masks worn by Sande and Poro members possess unique characteristics and embellishments while adhering to established aesthetic criteria.
What is Poro in Africa?
Poro, or lô, is a universal age-grade initiation association common to all Senufo communities in West Africa, attributed to much of the region’s artistic production. Senufo boys from different lineages pass through a series of initiation stages before becoming respected elders in their communities. Young initiates spend weeks and even months together in secluded sacred groves, developing survival skills and intellectual foundation to prepare them for adulthood. Senior poro members instruct initiates in the work of poro, also known as work for “Old Mother”, the female aspect of the supreme deity and protector of poro initiates.
As a result of locally sponsored initiations, poro members forged strong connections to their communities that cut across lineage divisions. They learned how to meet social obligations, work with peers, and respect their elders. Despite its presumed uniform character and close association with Senufo culture, poro and the arts linked to the association display striking formal and functional variation, possibly reinforcing the unique identities and preferences of artists and communities.
Scholars have identified a range of masks and sculptures with links to nineteenth- and twentieth-century Senufo poro associations. In some communities, poro initiates prohibited uninitiated men, women, and children from seeing their impressive arts, a regulation akin to those West African power associations maintain. The works and performances connected to them offer unique expressions of artists’ and patrons’ commitments to goals such as hard work, community relations, and reverence for the deceased.
What is the Poro society in Liberia?
Poro, Bundu, and Sande are power associations in West Africa, including Sierra Leone and Liberia. Poro is a men’s association, while Bundu and Sande are women’s organizations. These societies are often referred to as’secret societies’ due to their role in guarding, mobilizing, and transmitting esoteric knowledge. Poro inducted young men into full adulthood, while Bundu or Sande performed the same duty for young women. Poro also held important military, commercial, and judicial authority, including power over life and death.
In pre-colonial times, no chief in Poro areas could rule effectively without its cooperation. This lecture examines how these power associations adapted to changing political environments after Freetown was designated a British Crown Colony in 1808, African American settlers arrived in Providence Island in 1820, and the creation of an independent Liberian republic in 1847. Dr. Carr, who holds a PhD in History from the School of Oriental and African Studies, focuses on African military history and pre-colonial West African history, with a specialization in cultural and power associations.
What is the Poro of Africa?
The Poro, also known as Purrah or Purroh, is a men’s secret society in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and the Ivory Coast, introduced by the Mane people. It is a hunting society and only males are admitted to its ranks. The female counterpart of the Poro society is the Sande society. The Poro society was part of the Mane culture introduced to the region as early as 1000 AD. Two affiliated secret associations, the Yassi and the Bundu, exist in Sierra Leone, with the former reserved for females, while the latter is strictly reserved for women.
Can girls go to school in Liberia?
While girls are permitted to attend formal schools, they are expected to maintain a feminine presence both in and out of the classroom.
📹 SIERRA LEONE – Life inside Sierra Leone, People, History, Culture, Food and Fun Facts.
SIERRA LEONE – Life inside Sierra Leone, People, History, Culture, Food and Fun Facts. In this video, we shall be shining the …
These people had it right all along. I’m born and raised in NYC. 47 years of fighting traffic for an hour and half everyday since I was 19 to go do menial work for 10 hours at a job I hate 6 days a week just so I can afford to pay for an apartment that I’m never in and to pack it with a bunch’a sh** I bought that I never have time to use. We weren’t meant to live like this way!
I watch this with a sense of longing, of realizing how backward we have it in the “civilized” western world. Decades spent locked away in factories and office towers like hamsters in a cage, looking out with longing. It wasn’t so very long ago that western culture thought these people needed to be civilized and were backward but as I scroll through the comments I am struck by the longing to live the simple happy lives these people live. I can only hope that we have finally learned to leave these people be…….they’ve got it right and maybe we could have the honour of being retaught by them .🙏
As an African living in America I miss the genuine interactions and the real community sharing that I am seeing in this article. I miss climbing the trees eating mangoes and enjoy social gatherings during ceremonies. But my goal is not to stay here in this austere society, but to go back. Africa Mon amour, I will get back to you soon😢!!!
I have lived this life before. We fetched water from the streams for our household needs including drinking. There was one day in a week set aside as a sacred day for the spirits of the land and nobody enters the forests. Our parents get up in the morning and will go around the village to visit almost all the other familes before starting their itinery of the day. We breathed cleaned air . We brushed our teeth with plants so rich with what will prevent gum infections. What a peaceful life!!!
This is so very uplifting. It brings me pride of belonging. These are the people of my Father’s Ancestors. It explains much in my Spirit. “Urithi wangu ni Balanta na Zulu.” I was born in Chicago Illinois, thanks to the transatlantic slave trade, but thankfully Alkebulan, ( Afrika) was born in me. I am forever grateful and thankful. Ubuntu Ma’at Ase’🙏🏿
That was beautiful, a life without the stresses of the modern world. The only part which was sad, was knowing as the children become educated to our ways they’ll lose what has kept them in harmony with nature and each other for so many generations. I’m hoping the documentary makers will think to give these people a decent percentage of the money made off YouTube, since as of today, it’s had 1.4 million views, and that kind of money would do wonders for their community, especially their school.
What a beautiful place with a beautiful people who live harmoniously with nature. It’s intriguing how they work peaceful together in boosting food security & contributing to the local economy. The women are stunning, naturally beautiful & healthy. The good thing I observed is that they is no church in that area, Christianity has destroyed most cultures I therefore hope that island remains like that for many generations to come . The best documentary ever. Thank you 🙏
The Orango Island 🏝 is one of the Bijagós Islands, located 60 kilometres (30 nautical miles) off the coast of mainland Guinea-Bissau. It’s a mainly a feminine place, her, women alone choose whom to wed, women rules this society. Men are mainly fishermen. 🌾They produce rise, peanuts 🥜 and cashew nuts, palm tree oil. They cultivate vegetables gardens and men have a riskie job in the explotation of the palm tree “chabeú” ; the island provides a large amount of resources for the traditional cooking.
I see alot of comments about how much everyone loved this doc but there are only 17 likes. Dont forget that to get this beautiful documentary recognition we all must like comment share and subscribe. Definitely share share share. Great job Creator!! I liked commented, shared and subscribed to your website. I hope your website continues to grow so that you can bless us with many, many more of these beautiful documentaries. Thank You❤
Growing up the same way I am happy and proud of my culture where the most important thing in life what we carry is a inside beauty not the outside. Life is not easy but it makes one stronger for life. Our faith is in God that provides everything we need to survive and to protect the nature that provides what we need❤😇. The language they speaking is Creole and some of them speaking Portuguese.
What a beautiful documentary. I have said so many times to friends and family that the world would be a much better place if more women were in charge. As a man I’ve seen the overwhelming imbalance that we have in society where there is more masculine energy in place than feminine. The beautiful people in this documentary coexist with balance and joy. Just imagine if this was worldwide!
A place that is isolated where traditional practice have been so for a long time..the temptation for the younger generation to go elsewhere is there ..hopefully it will be kept in a place of well being for those who live on this beautiful island far from what is making the world a difficult place to be contented and at peace..❤
Their culture is very much similar with ours in India. Plus their names-Sarita. SAYA too means skirt in India. Wow, Yes we really live in a world that is round Please preserve with rich culture and religion, and dont go for other religions in the wrong notions of modernity. You are rich with your rich heritage. No wealth can buy this rich heritage. People will come to destroy and end ypur culture but resistance is the key, which will make you fight all the odds and evils
It’s mind boggling how nature works when it comes to power and spirituality…. And this is not different from any other stories around the world…in the documentary it was said the 1st woman on the land gave birth to 4 daughters and they had the powers to control the Land.. Water.. Heavens and I guess fire.. This is just wow to me… Side everything I don’t know if any of you here noticed how neat and organized they are… Indeed if I woman is to rule the world it will be a beautiful place,..
Its so crazy how much we have in common. I am an African American from south Georgia in the USA. My family also believes that when a child is born, an ancestor returns. My little sister was born 9 months after my grandfather died. My youngest daughter was born 9 months after my grandmother died. My great nephew was born a year after my eldest sister died.
matriarchy is the way to peaceful living. Look at the opposite where women have the least power and you will find place living at war for decades. They have much to learn from these peaceful tribes who respect women as whole and beautiful. Thank you for showing us that some people do know how to live respecting the earth and each other.
Beautifully made and intriguing, this documentary kept me on the verge of tears. I really like how simply these people live..I know we Americans can’t go back, but I hope that our future generations will take inspiration from this and build more sustainable facilities, vehicles, and religions. I also feel the pain of the elders who see these diminishing of their traditions, but, maybe something more wholistic is meant to be built in its place. Let me also mention that these were probably the most beautiful children I have ever seen.
Such a wonderful life if only the world could all live this way as we did in past, it is healthy their skin is so beautiful the life is peaceful most of all they live by the rules of Mother Nature and the mother of their people, with respect for Life and their dead ancestor. Today people die the word is thoughts and prayers then move, on many do not respect life let alone the dead ancestors.
Notice how in almost every great (THRIVING) society its always matriarchal? IJS. Lord protect these people from the toxicity of patriarchy and let it never rise for them! They are doing so great. Economy thriving, little to no wars, peace, flourishing people and children are happy. Lord protect this place of peace! Especially from the cancer of the colonizers!!! <3 <3 <3
I’m African American, and while I love my people and culture, I also love positive, observational documentaries of indigenous African (not heavily influenced by colonization) cultures like this. It helps me get a sense of what my ancestors lives were like. It seems so peaceful and pure. And the way that lady yeeted that dog into the water at 33:08 cracked me tf up lmao
The Bissago people could’ve built bigger boats to catch more fish to make more money to build even bigger boats to catch even more fish until not a single fish was left…but they didn’t. These women could’ve cut more reeds to make more mats to make more money so they could cut even more reeds & make even more mats to sell for more money until not a single reed was left on the island…but they didn’t. These men could’ve climbed even more palm trees to harvest even more fruit & sap to make even more alcohol to drink even more often…but they didn’t. We could learn from the Bissago people, who appear not to have forgotten the power of balance, & the importance of a strong healthy community situated in a healthy thriving living natural environment. My goodness, what a community: respectful of eachother & the natural world around them, amazing traditions that pass on essential knowledge from generation to generation, simple efficient housing…& a big wow for the casual beauty, elegance & joy of these Bissago people.
What beautiful documentary..,To see people live with each other and nature in harmony etc..,Everybody is in involved..,The people are naturally and organically beautiful..,I hope this kind way of life gets preserve for future generations..,And..,we can learn from them..,And if in the future they become modern..,Then..,they should devise ways and methods to preserve their customs and traditions to blend with modern times..,
what a well-made documentary. life is full in itself, it doesn’t need escapism in the form of modern “entertainment”. this culture is pristine, complete, wholesome, not free of challenges but so rich in life it more than compensates. i wish African culture an eternal life of whole living. living in parts is so not what it is sold as. living ONLY with career and money and tinder is so hollow one can see by contrast. kids don’t bully and hate each other here. people don’ keep animosity festering bcz community is integral to daily life.
I believe that women ARE a connection between the living and the dead. We foster life in our wombs. It is woman who ate the fruit of knowledge.. which with all my beliefs is a good thing. We have a deep intuition that it seems sometimes men lack. I’m glad i got recommended this. Yesterday or the day befote I’ve been pondering why in nature females tend to be in charge and males are the ones to attract their mates. From what ive learned, women were well respected in my culture.. even in other cultures, like my friend from kerala in india.. women are seen with respect and as people. there is a RESPECT for woman’s role. The western culture in which i live is a really dark place for a woman’s wellbeing. I think it is likewise bad for men and the source of a lot of their views. On the internet too, it seems we are so divided in who we talk to and what content we see. You’ll only see content catered to your beliefs.. so i believe its easy to become alienated. I mustnt become alienated myself, for im not sure all men view women with shallowness. I have just become frustrated at the frequency and relevance of such
I LOVE this! Another beautiful reference for the work I am doing. Thank you SO much for developing and sharing this. Thank you to the Bissago people, the women of Eticoga of Orango. This is so deeply appreciated; especially in a world where most scholars want to deny the existence of matriarchy and claim that matriarchy is a direct opposite of patriarchy, of which it is not. Dr. Heidi Goettner-Abendroth’s work on matriarchy provides a critical analysis of matriarchal studies, and I HIGHLY recommend her text “Matriarchal Societies” for anyone who does not understand the root origins of matriarchy or who thinks matriarchy is a dualistic opposite of patriarchy.
This is why are their culture is peaceful because women are doing what needs to be done and respected in their natural talents and they are good at running the place the way they are and it keeps the peace and the respect amongst everybody therefore I keep the men happy and the men in Balance . Such a beautiful documentary I really wish their culture wouldn’t change and I hope it doesn’t get corrupted and the children don’t just get stuck in school that learn the ways of the land in the culture which is so important we realise that in our western culture that we don’t know that much about the land survival and how to be creative and make things and live connected to the land and spiritually as well. You also look at our culture a article hits you know the really rough violent pornographic shows you look at all of the music articles calling women hoes and bitches and rap songs about disrespecting this hoe and that hoe it’s just disgraceful and they’re in balance of power it’s not really a happier place in our homes with all of our things and gadgets and phones and computers now that I’m older and wiser I would much rather live off the land using my body getting connected to spirituality in community 🙌💜
I found this revealing sad at the same time. One it definitely tells you what has happened to African people globally and the process of the deafricanizing US turning us into a global black people. However at the same time I see some changes are not always external and they are to meet the conditions of the environment one finds themselves in.
What an absolutely great documentary. Very impressive. Its so interesting. I’ve wondered what the results of matriarchal society would be. As she said, crime almost non existing and then avoiding war by cleverly buying over the enemy. i see a well functioning society, with high standard of living for a third world country and clear good values. They are such absolutely beautiful people. I wish i could spend a long time with my easel, canvas and paint!!❤❤❤❤❤❤
Queens of Orango is a beautiful societal, cultural and environmental documentary. The unfolding of this world within the documentary is unreal in spiritual quality~~ even exponentially more so when given in contrast to the rest of the state of this planet. In truth, Queens of Orango represent the source. Text © Doc Alexander
Culture is an essential part of people’s identity, heritage, and sense of belonging. It’s understandable to have concerns about cultural preservation in the face of globalization and the influence of Western lifestyles. Many cultures around the world face challenges in maintaining their traditions, languages, and ways of life. Preserving and celebrating one’s culture is important for cultural diversity and the enrichment of humanity as a whole. It’s crucial to recognize the value of cultural heritage and provide support for initiatives that promote cultural preservation. This can be done through education, documentation, community engagement, and the empowerment of local communities to take pride in and safeguard their cultural practices. At the same time, it’s also important to recognize that cultures are not static entities. They evolve and adapt over time, incorporating new influences while retaining their core values and traditions. Cultural exchange can be a positive force, allowing for the sharing of ideas, knowledge, and experiences between different communities. Ultimately, the decision to hold onto one’s culture or adopt aspects of other lifestyles is a personal choice that individuals and communities make based on their circumstances, aspirations, and beliefs. It’s important to respect and support each other’s choices while working towards a world that appreciates and celebrates cultural diversity.
There is something about this documentary…it is very ‘romantic’. It could be because of the way it was written, shot and directed but this wouldn’t have worked without the beautiful subjects and their culture. Many African societies were actually Matriarchal. Things changed around the times Africa opened up to trade and soon, well, the influence of western religions and the wars that came with that. People lost faith in their spirituality and with that…the trust in women, the spiritual and political leaders. People still argue if the Bissago are actually matriarchal because of the gender roles (a 2016 study corrected this) but that is only because of the limited view with how gender roles are used in differentiating between Patriarchal from Matriarchal societies.
I am an Ethiopian 🇪🇹 male and I am equally proud, humbled and inspired by this beautiful people and their culture, society and traditions. In fact, I would go so far as toargue that matriarchy is indeed the natural order as life itself, beginning with total dependency and will of every manmal where the mother is ruling over life and death. 💚💛❤️
Watching this program got me thinking about those old movies where the women were in charge and the men were kept in slave like conditions. The filmmakers and people of those times believed that society would fall apart and become degenerate if women ruled. The people in this program shown and the other few around the world like them show that it would more than likely not be the case. But I think that many people today still feel that women have no place in leadership roles or are afraid of it. Societies miss out when part of the whole of humanity are kept from achievements, and are treated as less than. Hopefully, humanity will focus on improving dialogue between the sexes so that we can work together for the benefit of not only ourselves, but for the benefit of the whole group. Our unique minds working together can achieve much in this world to be proud of. *Since this program is about the roles of the sexes in a female dominant society, my comments above are only about that, and the hopefulness of harmony between the sexes in all societies. ✌️
In the heart of our society, there lies a vibrant philosophy, a window into our collective soul. The spirit of our community reflects a unique lifestyle, influenced by shared values and the inherent vibe of togetherness. It’s not just about coexistence, but truly understanding the essence of each individual and how they contribute to the broader tapestry of our community. Together, we shape the ethos and the aesthetic of our society, creating a lifestyle that’s both reflective of our individual beliefs and the communal values we uphold.
Thank You for Sharing This ❤ is a tremendously underestimated force, viewed in the present context primarily as a woman’s concern. The understanding has not yet percolated throughout society that the advancement of women is a program vitally connected to the survival of human beings as a species. The reason for this is simply that institutions take on the character of the atoms which compose them, and what we are most menaced by in the twentieth century are dehumanized institutions. If women played a major role in policy formation and execution on the part of these institutions, I think they would have a far more benign and ecologically sensitive kind of character. So I see feminism not as a kind of war between the sexes or any of these stereotypic images, but as actually a kind of effort to shift the ratios of our emphasis that is expressed through our institutions.
What touches me is how tribespeople are valued even during their old age. Unlike modern society, where many seniors are discarded after capitalism is done with them, the tribe constructed a system that allows the elderly to be an integral part in the preservation of its culture. I hope someday we can adapt this.
I definitely fear for them, because they are bound to catch the eyes of “developers” somewhere. Soon as “development” starts, their rich culture and traditions begin to fade. Before they know it, they’re pushed into slums and forced to adopt a completely different way of life. Native life disappear to make room for high rise buildings, cars, and prison box getaway tourism.
Lovely, amazing following their ancestors culture…not spoiled n interfered by modern culture n living. Only clothes n education welcomed. Eventhough they are educated, never forget their upbringing. It’s happy life… slogging daily routine. So nice, with so many domestic animals, plot of farm around the house. Eating organic food, with no chemicals. Love their culture and happy living. Most important, even if, there’s ups and downs in between families or neighbours. Togetherness is precious in festivals. Or sad situations. BEAUTIFUL people n SINCERETY country.🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️🙌🙌🙌 UNTOUCHED CULTURE. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS PRECIOUS article. NEVER CAN VISIT BUT ENJOYED SEEING THE PEOPLE N THEIR WAY OF COURAGEOUS LIFE. 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌
This really isn’t that much of a matriarchy. Women are allowed to have wealth and hold positions of power. They are also the ones who are supposed to do the approaching for sexual selection (something men have been begging for all around the world). That’s about it. Other than that, men also have their own roles, they can own property, they have status, the kinglet is strictly male, gender norms are enforced, and the majority of household chores are done by women, while men work the physically more demanding and dangerous jobs away from the home. Really does not seem to be all that different from modern Western culture, everything considered.
It was so beautiful and refreshing to see people of color thriving together in harmony!! Those beautiful babies!! Every necessity being met. Beautiful happy and healthy. Love all over them. If all the children of the world could live as so what a better place this world would be. May God continue to bless and keep them and make his face to shine upon them.
This was incredible.. We know from science studies that subsistence cultures like this, live a life that when offered the ways “normal” people do, they say, “why ? Why would I want to work so hard? I like the life I have” They “work” far fewer hours than farming/commercial lifestyles.. And they maintain strong cultural ties and traditions.. I really hope the “glamour” of the western world doesn’t destroy their culture TOO, it’s destroyed hundreds of others.. but especially this people, who have such a unique and CLEARLY healthy stable peaceful life.. the young (of every culture🙄) don’t understand that gifting to the elderly when they cannot do for themselves is social security at its most basic, and will later serve themselves.. and.. that life outside of their home is NOT a safe, open and honest environment.. it IS cutthroat out there.. especially if you’re naive about what it means, and that so many people will more likely lie than honestly try to help.. sigh.. It’s so nice to see a happy people, living sustainably and happy.. and not subjugating women or slaves to have it.. especially giving women a voice to live with common sense and respect, without the influence of testosterone infused aggression or violence.. I hope they can make it last…
There’s definitely no hunger here, the people here look so healthy, peaceful and prosperous in their own way. So much knowledge of environment is admirable, unlike us city dwellers who only knows malls and supermarkets 😂. This is the kind of life some of us people of the so called civilized world crave for… being in tune with the universe.
@40:38 ladies are dancing like chickens!!!! I guess this is where Shake a Tail Feather, comes from between that and ducks🤣!!!! But for real it’s nice to see a place in Africa where women are respected doesn’t happen too often!! For real there is noting about those women’s sacred Spirit dance that does not remind me of birds in some type of way!! I would be scared of lossing my way of like if i was them also! 😢 i hope they make it!!❤ because I actually can only think of one other place in Africa where women are respected and they’re not even respected the women in that area just got so sick of men’s b***** they all left and formed their own village! Like 2 or 3 Generations ago!!!!! They build their own houses their own mud and straw houses and sell jewelry!!! And no man is allowed to move inside the village!!!!
The Bissagos Islands people and the culture are beautiful! I love how they live in harmony with nature only taking what is needed and caring for the land. There has to be a way to add to the Basssgos islands and the people WITHOUT interference to the long culture and customs of the Bassago people. Traditiinally, they have healers(Domingos), and they have also added a health center with western medicines. Similar to the health center addition, they can continue enhancing and growing all other areas of their survival and work. The younger people can take on the expansions.. Create a new enhanced way of doing exactly what their culture and practices. I wonder if the women leaders of Basssgos Islands would consider building a Matriarch group of sorts for women all over the world can visit and discuss and learn from this example. This is am amazing story! Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
Animist means that these people know humans, the animal, vegetal and, mineral kingdoms are interconnected. Our very existence depends on Nature. Animist beliefs (for lack of a better term), were ridiculed by the European settlers, however, today, those who are spiritual know that the divine energy is manifest everywhere in Nature. Our ancestors were in the right once again. Thank you for this documentary. ❤
Matriarchal species within the animal kingdom tend to be so peaceful and generally thrive. Take a look at lions, bees, orcas and other killer whale species! I feel like us women, would feel so much safer and secure, and there would be less war and inner/outer conflict in general. One could only dream to be in this kind of society
1.This looks very similar to many African civilizations💯, i can’t mention more than five things that are really different from many African cultural ways of doing things. 2. We’ve been made to believe that “women have never had leadership roles in Africa” & women “never had a voice in Africa”. Women in leadership positions is nothing new to Africa. 3. We live in a Generation were gender wars are at it’s peak & feminism “seems” to be spear heading this. 📌I’d like to have a genuine discussion with a feminist just to understand their fight & get their perspective of thing’s. ( Or just a woman’s perspective of Morden society & the struggles you as women face)…
Not seeing women abuse their power,you need to pay closer attention. Believe me,a lot of them have no accountability. Especially when they have a man who really love them. When a woman is loved by a real man,she is as spoil as a child. All she has to do is sit back and enjoy the show. My woman dont have to do anything but smile and be charming . I pay the bills,cook, cleanup,and nurtur the children. Thats my queen,and my choice to handle things that way. When a man loves a woman,it explains itself.
00:02 Bisalgo society is a matriarchy where women hold power in all aspects of life. 03:26 The Bisago people retain a matriarchal society where women are the driving force in life and spirituality. 10:40 Orango is a matriarchal society where women have more privileges and responsibilities. 14:15 Importance of palm tree in the archipelago 22:40 Women in a matriarchal society on the island must venture into the jungle for resources. 26:36 Women play a central role in the daily life and economy of the island. 33:46 Healthcare in a matriarchal society 37:14 Maternity is highly respected in the society based on reincarnation beliefs. 43:37 Education impacting traditional initiation rights 46:55 Life in a matriarchal society with traditional clothing, food, and wedding customs. Crafted by Merlin AI and JK
I compare this tribe to majority of other tribes where the men are in charge. These women are healthy. They’re not naked or mutilated. Big lip plates, knocked out teeth, holes in their faces. Tormented. They’re happy. They’re strong. They’re beautiful. I love it. When the feminine leads, there’s a calm that follows.
I feel worried for the people here starting to rely on “welfare”. Historically this is a way to enslave africans and make them reliant on foreign food, forgetting how to grow their own food and then being threatened with starvation if they don’t work for foreign corporations. It’s so sad. I hope they keep this culture and respect the old people.