Tano Sacred Grove

The Tano Sacred Grove is located in the Brong-Ahafo Region just out side of Tanoboase.  Our friend Austin lives just outside the grove.  It is believed that Taakora, the greatest of earthly Akan gods, lives in this grove.  The area has been protected because of his presence.  He commanded that the settlers leave the area and no hunting could take place in the grove.  There are many big sandstone formations in the grove that were used as look out points during the Ashanti-Bono wars of the 18th century.    

This is inside the fetish priest’s house in Tanoboase.  It is the shrine in which he communicates with Taakora.

Some of the beautiful views from the rocks

Some of the cool plants we saw on the hike.

 

Warriors used to have races up these rocks.  The winner would have first pick of available women to marry.

 

This is where Taakora is believed to live.  That is a bottle of Shnapps.  It is common to pour libations to the gods. 

There were also sacrifices placed throughout the grove for Taakora.

 

The grove is also home to a large colony of fruit bats.  We only saw one in the sky.  There were many dead ones along the path.  We don’t know what could be killing them.  Juju maybe….?