An Opera of the West African Bondo

This reading really touched on the Temne rite of passage for men and women. The process of passing from childhood into adulthood is a time intensive progression that in some cases can take up to a year to complete. In the Temne tribe children are seen as equal not differentiated by their gender, it is not until he/she reaches his coming of age and is initiated that they are then called a Man or a Woman. The tradition is one that includes the whole village and requires youth to leave their family and spend time away as an channel through which experience and maturity is gained. Women spend time in a house white boys split their time between learning about nature and themselves. The initiation process is one that is inherently important to every part of the Temne tribe. If one is not initiated it cuts them off from marriage and even a proper burial once they pass. The rite of passage is seen as a process everyone must go through in order to become a full member of the tribe and reach their final destination of self as, Poro or Bondo.

The customs of the Temne tribe are beautifully and intrinsic to the development of the youth. A ceremony such as this really caters to creating a structure and sense of belonging for the youth. Although the rules are strict and policies a bit harsh I believe this tradition and the dancing it entails personifies much more. It is a predecessor for the real world. In the real world there are no second chances, no time to fix mistakes, there are harsh realities that adults face and the regulations of the ceremony abide by these. Nevertheless, I believe this custom ultimately gives the youth a sense of belonging, pride and ownership over a product of work that is their own.

Mona Quarless
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