In many African societies, rites of passage symbolically mark the transition from childhood to adulthood. Among the Senufo of Côte d’Ivoire, this transition is embodied by the Poro, an initiatory institution that sets the rhythm of community life and shapes the identity of young boys.
The Poro is much more than a simple rite. It is a school of life, a sacred space where the knowledge, values, and responsibilities of Senufo society are transmitted. The initiation lasts several years and takes place in a sacred grove, away from the village. There, adolescents learn discipline, self-control, respect for elders, the history of their ancestors, agricultural techniques, traditional dances, and the spiritual secrets of their community.
Entry into the Poro is often accompanied by a period of seclusion for the young initiate. He leaves the world of childhood to face symbolic, sometimes physical, trials intended to toughen him. This initiation process is carried out in groups, fostering solidarity among peers and creating lasting bonds between members of the same generation.
Upon completion of the Poro, the youth is recognized as a full-fledged man. He acquires a new social status and can participate in important community decisions. This rite thus marks both a rupture and an integration: it separates the adolescent from his former condition while fully inserting him into adult life and the social order.
Today, although some aspects of the Poro have been adapted or reduced in the face of modernity, the rite remains vibrant in several regions of northern Côte d’Ivoire. It stands as a pillar of Senufo culture and a bulwark against the erosion of traditions. It serves as a reminder that, in order to grow, it is not enough to advance in age: one must also pass through the stages of learning, transmission, and commitment to the community.