Summary

The symbol at the beginning of Chapter Six is the Epa which represents bondage and handcuffs. In “The Story of the Initiation,” Nana Mosi tells Kofi that their people have always believed that transitions are a natural part of life. The first transition begins at birth and moves on to adulthood and then into ancestorship. These transitions are difficult, and people have to train to move on to the next step. Nana Mosi tells Kofi not to listen to the stories about impossible tasks he hears occur during the initiation as they are not true. He does tell him that his head will be shaved, and ancient symbols will be marked on his body. It will be truly difficult and he will wish to die, but after that, he will be ready “to protect the...