Ntomo and Korè

Ntomo and Korè are two important and obligatory rituals of Malian. And it also is one of Malian culture, customs, and etiquette that you should know. It marks the maturity of a man through 2 stages. Both the initiation ceremonies in Mali were held in a sacred space in the jungle. In the early stages of life, boys 3 - 10 years old must undergo the obligatory Ntomo (circumcision) ceremony, marking the first step in the process of adulthood. Ntomo is considered an indispensable ritual for a man's later life, especially the role of maintaining the Malian race.

The second ritual is Korè, for the age group 11-18. The person who receives the ceremony must live in the forest for a few weeks, under the supervision of an experienced senior who is adept at everything. They are taught to endure all oppression and insults; receive instruction on herbs, and sex; understand the obligations to the elders and to the ancestors. Only after completing the Korè ceremony can they truly grow up, start a family and officially participate in community activities.