Kendwi at Tokpombu Nongowa c. 1969

photo © by Chad Finer

In the Mende village of Tokpombu,  just outside of Kenema

Marking the end of Bondo initiation, the Kendwi Spirit is carried about the village by women of the Bondo Society. The leader of the local society, Mama Hokey Kemoh is pictured on the left in the orange-red blouse (docket) and green headdress. I was never able to find out much about this spirit (Kendwi). Its presence seemed to have an interesting effect on the women - for as they carried it about they seemed entranced and almost in a frenzy to move it about. This picture was taken at the end of local Bondo activities in about March 1969 or 1970.