Sande Cult/Society
This secret society existed in many parts of West Africa predominantly in Ivory Coast, Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone. Since the 15th century, the Sande cult served as a secret society for women in the community. Contrary to popular belief, the cult was not in existence to perform evil rituals to secure a woman’s high ranking status in society. The Sande Cult served as an initiation rite for girls to be ushered into womanhood the right way. Not all girls were selected into the Sande cult, and it came as great prestige if a girl was “ kidnapped” by the older members of the cult for training. For close to a year, girls were isolated from society to learn the ways of womanhood and also learn to trade and farm to help provide a source of income. The Sande society encouraged women to be independent and have self-worth. The society was regarded as a cult due to many rumours that existed around it one being the death penalty if one failed to pass the training. Women of the Sande society were highly respected, marrying well and being offered important roles to play.
