🏝️ Bijagós Islands Sacred Sites
Guinea-Bissau
About This Sacred Site
The Bijagós Archipelago off the coast of Guinea-Bissau is home to the Bijagó people, who maintain one of the most intact traditional animist spiritual systems in West Africa. Several islands are considered entirely sacred and are restricted or forbidden to outsiders. The Bijagó believe their islands are protected by spirits called iran, and elaborate initiation ceremonies, masked dances, and sacred groves are central to their spiritual life. The archipelago is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Key Facts
- •Comprises 88 islands, of which about 20 are inhabited
- •Some islands are considered entirely sacred and off-limits to outsiders
- •The Bijagó practice animist traditions centred on spirits called iran
- •Initiation rites and masked ceremonies are central to spiritual life
- •Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1996
Location
Coordinates: 11.2500, -16.0000
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