top of page

Casamance: In the heart of the sacred grove, the passage to manhood among the Diola people

Editorial

Sep 26, 2025

(Video) - In the commune of Inor, in the Sédhiou region, a rare ceremony brought together authorities, initiates, women, and children. A symbol of identity and transmission, the sacred grove remains an essential pillar of Diola culture.

In Casamance, the Diola culture continues to perpetuate ancestral traditions that shape the identity of the communities. In Inor, a small town in the Sédhiou region, an initiation ceremony recently mobilized the entire population: municipal authorities, former initiates, women and children gathered to celebrate this unique moment.


Séance de danses et de chants des anciens et notables à l'honneur des initiés
Séance de danses et de chants des anciens et notables à l'honneur des initiés

The sacred grove is not simply a ritual. In the Diola worldview, it represents an essential stage of life. Becoming a man means passing through this initiation , at the end of a journey marked by teachings, trials, and the transmission of collective values.


Beyond its spiritual aspect, this ceremony is also a significant moment of social cohesion. It brings generations together, unites families, and reaffirms the importance of cultural roots in a changing world.


Through this report, Visual Chronicles invites you to delve into the heart of a rich, vibrant reality deeply rooted in Diola history.

Bois sacré en pays diola


Get world news delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to our newsletter.

Thank you for registering.

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Legal notice

© 2025 by Le JDF -

bottom of page