Traditional religion
Photographs taken by
Stuart McGill
Clearing in Mataari village. To the left is the Magaji (priest)'s hut; outside this is the Okiso shelter and the stone pile, both of which are sacred.
The Okiso hut is a small mud structure with a grass roof devoted to the Okiso - a particular kind of spirit. The surrounding stone piles are used in prayer and libation - each member of the village has their own stone. Both are sacred and must not be touched by outsiders, likewise the priest's hut in the background.
Okiso shelter on Ukula mountain. This again is sacred and outsiders are not allowed to enter. Even Acipu will not go in if there is no priest present.
Inside the Okiso shelter on Ukula mountain (1).
Inside the Okiso shelter on Ukula mountain (2).
Altar on Ukula mountain. Chickens are sacrificed and eaten here.
Broken sacrificial pots on Ukula mountain.
Rukɔ̃'ɔ̃ crocodile pond on Korisino. The crocodiles are sacred and must not be disturbed. A member of the Acipu chieftancy, Lord Vidɔ (Ubandawaki) killed one of these crocodiles in 2006 and was forced into exile because of the crime.
Stuart McGill
Clearing in Mataari village. To the left is the Magaji (priest)'s hut; outside this is the Okiso shelter and the stone pile, both of which are sacred.
The Okiso hut is a small mud structure with a grass roof devoted to the Okiso - a particular kind of spirit. The surrounding stone piles are used in prayer and libation - each member of the village has their own stone. Both are sacred and must not be touched by outsiders, likewise the priest's hut in the background.
Okiso shelter on Ukula mountain. This again is sacred and outsiders are not allowed to enter. Even Acipu will not go in if there is no priest present.
Inside the Okiso shelter on Ukula mountain (1).
Inside the Okiso shelter on Ukula mountain (2).
Altar on Ukula mountain. Chickens are sacrificed and eaten here.
Broken sacrificial pots on Ukula mountain.
Rukɔ̃'ɔ̃ crocodile pond on Korisino. The crocodiles are sacred and must not be disturbed. A member of the Acipu chieftancy, Lord Vidɔ (Ubandawaki) killed one of these crocodiles in 2006 and was forced into exile because of the crime.
