‘Dipo’ – The Puberty Rite of the Krobo people – (Ghana)

Photo credit: Makana

The Krobos of Ghana are an ancient tribe. They are one of a group of eight sub-tribes known as the Dangmes (Adangme) which means people who share a common language of Adas. The puberty rite called Dipo is a very prominent cultural practice instituted to mark the stage of puberty and for young females of marriageable age to acquire skills to fulfil roles as responsible female adults, including vocational training, house-keeping skills, and preparation for married life.

During the performance of the Dipo rites, participants are dressed in a special way to show that they are initiates. They have food restrictions and are only allowed to drink water from a well. They are taught the Klama dance, undergo a ritual bath and are made to sit on a stone which determines virginity. Those who are virgins get up easily whereas those who are not virgins get stuck onto the stone. Any girl found not to be a virgin in time past was treated as an outcast but now have a set of purification rituals performed to cleanse her.

On the last day of the rites, the participants are dressed up in colourful Kente cloth and adorned with a lot of beads on their neck, arms and waist with body marks. A durbar is held during which the girls perform the Klama dance amidst singing and in the presence of onlookers. It’s a great way to learn about Krobo traditions and cultural heritage.

Photo credit: Makana