ÉCOLE CIKAMA

Ideally accompanied by a local guide, it is possible to visit the Komians Adjoua Messouma initiation center in Aniansué (Cikama), located 7 km from Abengourou. An official school for traditional Agni Comian priestesses, fetishists and healers, recognized by ministerial decree since 1992. The Agni people (of the Akan group) of eastern Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana (about 25,000 people) are not only matrilineal, but they also perpetuate the tradition of the Komians. They are reputed throughout Côte d'Ivoire as mediums capable of reading the future and warding off fate. The school integrates about twenty young women per year and initiates them for 3 to 7 years to the study of family disputes, medicinal plants and traditional dances. Renowned for their healing powers, they attract a good number of sick people who are looking for a hope of healing. Others come for consultation for relationship problems. Mysterious, living in the middle of these 1,600 m² of old teak plantation, they gather in two sanctuaries protected by numerous statuettes and collect the precious leaves of medicinal plants. The fetishists come from working-class and rural backgrounds. The school receives no subsidies and struggles to survive year after year (a donation is welcome). Once their training is assured, they return to their village and generally have another activity (shopkeeper...).