THE STONING CEREMONY

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On Tuesday, 7th June 2022, the Mankon people congregated at the village palace plaza in multitudes from far and near. After the missing fon, Fon Angwafo III had been mourned and the new fon revealed, one of the necessary and highly symbolic ceremonies that followed was the stoning ritual.


Seeing the newly crowned fon run while being chased and shot with some objects was quite a spectacle. Many found this intriguing and couldn't comprehend why a fon would be shot at by his subjects and kingmakers. The motive of this ceremony is interesting and it observes specific guidelines with respect to traditional rites and rituals. The central figure during this ceremony is the new leader.


Once the missing king has been put to sleep by the powers that be and the kingmakers, royal children and some clan heads "catch" and enthrone the new fon, a date is then picked for the mourning and revelation and presentation of the newly enthroned fon to the public. 


During the revelation, the stoning or rather shooting ceremony takes place. The kingmakers shoot the new fon with some secret substances to fortify him and prepare him for the mission ahead of him as the leader. The population of onlookers can join in the shooting; they throw grass, soil or light objects that cannot cause harm at him or throw their empty fists at him. Note that actual stones are not used. The shooting/stoning is actually a symbolic gesture.


The significance of the stoning is that the fon is "cursed" into great power and strength, something he needs for the responsibility ahead of him. Like a shield of his people, he is made ready to face all the oncoming arrows that may be aimed at Mankon.


While the shooting is taking place, the fon is expected to run as fast as he can into the palace. It is only after the "disappeared" fon has been mourned that he comes out again and this time, he sits on the throne because he has been named and given full authority as the new leader. He is presented as the new ruler and his reign officially begins.




N.M.


Comments

  1. Anonymous20 June 2022 at 23:58

    Quite interesting ritual. I always thought they used actual stones

    ReplyDelete

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