Societies of Secrets

African Societies of Secrets are organizations whose primary role is to be the custodians and regulators of the harmonious functioning of a given community. These members help sustain and regulate the development of the ancient wisdom, traditions, and culture of that group. Their most distinguishing factor is their adherence to secrecy. Information regarding the collective wisdom is held secret by its members and is only revealed to those deemed worthy by elders, primarily during and after a rites-of-passage process.

The primary objective for keeping this body of knowledge secret is to protect its integrity and to keep it away from spiritually immature individuals who may use the knowledge for malicious purposes. This body of knowledge teaches its members how to govern society, maintain a balance between ...