Devil dancer from Zigita. Poro can be found on all levels in Sierra Leone and Liberia. It is the biggest and most influential secret society in West Africa. The Poro society has bush schools and dancing devil ceremonies, as well as magical healers and herbalists. The dancing devil is evil. When the sound of his arrival is heard everybody runs home. Forkpayea Argba is one of the secret Poro devil dancers in Zigita. © Daimon Xanthopoulos
Witchcraft guns. The witchcraft society in Sierra Leone is feared by many. The witch-guns are the deadliest weapons, able to cause many diseases or wound people. The bullets are made out of brown sugar and toxic materials, but the healers say they are invisible to the naked eye. These guns are confiscated by Poro healers who fight witchcraft in Sierra Leone. © Daimon Xanthopoulos
Healer at work. In Sierra Leone, most people prefer local medicinemen over a Western hospital. This traditional healer works with 36 devils. His body shakes as he tears the head of a chicken from its body and lets the blood drip into a bowl of water. There are many rituals he performs to help the girl who requested his services. © Daimon Xanthopoulos
Soko Bana society. This traditional healer from the Soko Bana society is shown during a devil's ritual. He cuts his tongue with a razor knife. These are feared healers who do extreme performances to show off their strength in public. To get these spiritual powers, they work with devils or demons and ingest leaves from the bush. © Daimon Xanthopoulos
Mr Pa Konte, high priest of Hemabu. The magical town of Hemabu is hidden in the border areas between Sierra Leone and Liberia. Only specially invited priests are welcome in this mystical village that is widely renowned for its spiritual properties. This is the leader of the village. As the High Priest, Mr Pa Konte is seen as the leader by many traditional healers, as his town lies at the center of magical powers in West Africa. © Daimon Xanthopoulos
Secret shrine of the Bongman Devil. This is the secret shrine of the Bongman Devil. In the bush, he lives in a huge tree with his mystical shrine between its roots. The priest who works with the Bongoman Devil is Mr Mali, who communicates with him through a mirror. The Bongoman Devil is known to have magical powers capable of curing many people. It became a famous spot during a recent civil war, as wounded soldiers came here to seek healing. © Daimon Xanthopoulos
Witchcraft hunter. This traditional healer uses his skills only for fighting witchcraft. He is like a bounty hunter: with his magical weapons and cloths, he tracks down witches and kills them using a special type of wood to smash their skull into pieces. His suit is specially prepared by an albino healer who also made amulets for the rebel movements during the last war. © Daimon Xanthopoulos
Healing ritual. This traditional healer works with 36 devils. His body shakes as he tears the head of a chicken of the body and lets the blood drip into a bowl of water. © Daimon Xanthopoulos
Kamajor warrior. Mama Munda, the famous Kamajor initiator and fortune teller, is the only female high priest of the Kamajors. She communicates with the Kasella Devil using a mirror. All Kamajor warriors are initiated with secret medicines and rituals. This makes them bullet-proof, invisible, and able to control rockets and bullets in the air. Here is a Kamajor fighter, with Mama Munda standing behind. © Daimon Xanthopoulos
Juju priest. A famous Juju healer works by candle light. He was trained in Burkina Faso. He uses iron to generate water and washes his clients with it. He also reverses witchcraft spells and cures diseases. Most healers are also involved in the Poro secret societies and are dedicated to fighting against witchcraft. © Daimon Xanthopoulos
Magic and secret societies play an important role in the societies of Sierra Leone and Liberia. At all socio-economic levels, secret societies can be found and their influence felt. Indeed, they are everywhere: part of politics, culture and religion.
