THE SANDOGO
The Sandogo is a divination society among the Senufo, consulted only for important decisions. It is at the same time a powerful organization of women recruited from the segments of the multi-lineage.
It is responsible for maintaining good ritual relations with the hierarchy of spirits through the art of divination. It also watches over the purity of the multi-lineage — and from this other function derives that of exercising social control in order to limit deviance.
This very much illustrates the spiritual influence of Senufo women.
When a death is suspicious, the Sandogo can be consulted and will reveal the culprit. Or it is the dead person who, while on the stretcher, steers the bearers toward the murderer without their being able to resist the force pulling them along. The culprit is then banished.
Holding this role in spiritual matters and in the art of divination gives women power over a society that cannot live separated from the world of the beyond.
Konatesalifou
Thank you very much
Konatesalifou
It’s always a surprise with you. Really, every day when I see your posts I’m left speechless.