Sierra Leonean photographer James Tamba-Martha has announced a new cultural documentary project titled “Journey to My Ancestors,” set to begin in 2026, aimed at preserving and showcasing the deep traditions of the Kissi people.
In a statement shared on his Facebook page, Tamba-Martha said the project is a personal tribute to Tongo Maado, also known as the House of Our Ancestors, which plays a central role in Kissi history and spirituality.
He explained that the journey will focus on capturing the essence of Kissi culture and honouring ancestral heritage that has been preserved for centuries. According to him, Tongo Maado has long served as a place of wisdom, guiding major community decisions, including the selection of chiefs.
The photographer noted that the sacred site is also used by traditional societies such as Pio, Kondo, Vanamamendan, Poro, and Bondo as a consultation shrine.
“These houses exist only in Kissi communities in Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Liberia,” he said, adding that the project will highlight their cultural importance and spiritual meaning through visual storytelling.
Tamba-Martha said he is humbled by the opportunity to document and share the beauty of this heritage, describing the project as both a cultural record and a tribute to generations before him.
The Journey to My Ancestors project is expected to draw attention to lesser-known traditional institutions and contribute to wider conversations around cultural preservation in West Africa.
