MEDIUM PRIORITY PROJECT

The male Poro secret society, widespread in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and northern Côte d’Ivoire, is centered on the figure of a female ancestral spirit, guarantor of social order, and guardian of traditions transmitted in initiatory ceremonies to younger members. Secret societies are an integral part of Sierra Leonean culture. Their aim is to regulate social behavior and relate young people to the spiritual world. For Poro society, membership of young men is a prerequisite for full integration into the tribe and is necessary for them to be considered adults, ready for marriage. Secret societies play the main role in maintaining law and order in rural geographical areas.

TOTAL COST: € 38.063,38  ($ 37,203.15)

• Preliminary scientific investigations

• Anoxic disinfestation

• Decomposition of the various elements from the old support mannequin

• Graphic and photographic documentation

• Suction, with the help of micro-nozzles, of the widespread incoherent deposits

• Remodeling of the deformations present on the canvas costume

• Revision of the stability of the plant fiber anchors and all ornaments

• Realignment of fibers in the presence of a mechanical disorder