Poro society members. Note the dead animals symbolically attached to the second man, and the human skulls on their helmets. Source: Wikipedia
The Poro, also spelled, Purrah or Purroh, is one of the more documented secret societies in Africa. It is a men’s secret society in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea and the Ivory Coast, said to have been introduced by the Mande people in 1000 AD. There are three ranks in which members: elders, chief priests, and boys to be initiated. The group is said to be responsible for preserving the cultural sanity of the community.
Although it has an affront as a hunting society, many believe that the group yields significant influence in politics, especially in Liberia. According to New York Times, Liberia’s notorious war Charles Taylor is believed to have co-opted the Poro Society, which helped him project an aura of mystery and invincibility.
Sande Society
Sande Society. Source: Mytholyoke
Sande Society
The Sande society is the female counterpart of the Poro society. Also known as the zadεgi, bundu, bundo and bondo, this women’s secret society in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and the Ivory Coast is said to initiate girls into adulthood by rituals such as female genital mutilation. Some allege that the group confers fertility, instills morality and proper sexual comportment, and maintains an interest in the well-being of its members throughout their lives.
The Sande society is known to champion women’s social and political interests through solidarity and complementarity to the Poro society. For example, its masquerade is one of the only African examples of a wooden face mask controlled exclusively by women.
Ekpe society, Pulse.ng
Ekpe
Ekpe means “leopard” in Efik and the group is present throughout Africa and its Diaspora. The Ekpe secret society which is most active in Nigeria is probably widely known. Its members are all men and typically law enforcers and politicians. They are known to be well-respected agents of wealth distribution in the community, often giving back through merriment and feasts.
Abakua. Source: CongoDr+
Abakua
Abukua is an Afro-Cuban men’s secret society related to the Ekpe. The group is known for its elaborate street dances and the brotherhood is a strong social support network that holds both high expectations and affords great benefits to its members. The group was created by Cuban masons of African descent and has managed to stay mostly hidden for over more than 100 years.