Sierra Leonean photographer James Tamba-Martha has announced the completion of his first spiritual consultation with the ancestors at the Tongoo Maado Shrine in Payluahun village, located in the Kissi Tongi Chiefdom.
In a personal reflection shared publicly, Tamba-Martha said the consultation was carried out alongside village elders during twilight, between sunset and nightfall. The brief but significant ritual was led by elders of Payluahun village and members of the shrine’s lineage.
According to him, the consultation was meant to formally inform the ancestors that the entire Payluahun community, through the house lineage members, will soon pay homage and offer food to them as part of traditional obligations.
The procession included the offering of “Kpeyando,” a Kissi term for pounded rice flour, which was presented during the ritual. Elders also invoked the names of past village members, praying for protection, good harvests, and good fortune for the children of the community.
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Tamba-Martha explained that within Kissi tradition, failing to meet such obligations to the ancestors on the agreed day is believed to bring warnings, and continued disregard could lead to severe consequences for the community.
The photographer described the experience as deeply spiritual and culturally important, highlighting the enduring role of ancestral traditions in guiding community life and preserving heritage among the Kissi people.
