Carrying firewood

One element of the ritual that takes place outside the Bondo bush and may therefore be observed by outsiders is the so-called “wood carrying”, in which the participants carry large bundles of firewood – previously gathered in the forest – into the village and finally lay them down in front of the village chief’s house. This act is meant to show respect to the traditional leaders of the village. This process is also supervised by the Soweis and is accompanied by much dancing and singing. Afterwards, the participants and the Soweis return to the Bondo bush to continue the secret part of the ritual.