Foreword:

since men's initiation to the Spirit of the Forest is an almost completely secret ritual (occurring in secret places of the rainforest), I will publish only some of the images concerning the "public" ceremonies.

I think it is essential to respect the Baka's traditions and cultural secrets. After all, they let me be part of a rite which has always been forbidden to western foreigners. Even the other local populations can seldom assist to this rite. Besides, they did not want anything in exchange.

Mauro Campagnoli

During an exploration in the forest with a pygmy friend I reached a camp where there was the Spirit of the Forest, a particular entity with several powers and prerogatives - one of these is to carry out the pygmy boys' initiation process.

In an effort to throughly and deeply understand the Baka culture, I asked to participate in the initiation together with Baka boys. At first they were amazed, but then my desire began attracting a growing sense of curiosity and interest on the part of the Baka.

After the elders of the camp and the Spirit of the Forest had been consulted, my request was accepted.

I was extremely happy and honoured when I received their authorisation. In fact, all the secrets surrounding the initiation and this spirit are deemed inviolable by all the Pygmies. Baka men, the only holders of Pygmies' initiation knowledge, are always evasive and mysterious when they are asked about this subject. They react this way not only with women and children but also with the other populations living in the same area.

The initiation lasts several days in a hidden place in the depths of the forest. After the boys to be initiated have been undressed, washed, shaved and palm oil is rubbed on their body, they are led into a special hut.

Then, they undergo multiple rituals, some public (such as dances and processions), some secret, for about a week during which they eat, drink and sleep very little. In the end, after some dangerous rites, the boys come face to face with the Spirit of the Forest who first kills them as part of the initiation rite, then makes them come to life again as adults and gives them some special powers.

This is the way I have become part of one of the Baka Pygmies' patrilineal clans.

Read the article: "This is how I became a Pygmy" - A young Italian ethnologist went through the rite of initiation of the Baka Pygmies. This is his story (from LA STAMPA - Italian national daily).