The 360th edition of the sacred stone taking ceremony, known as Epe-Ekpe, took place on Thursday, September 7, 2023, in Glidji Kpodji, located east of Lomé, Togo. This event brought together traditional chiefs, political authorities, and faithful people from the region to witness the revelation of the color of the sacred stone.
The tradition of taking the sacred stone dates back to 1662, making this ceremony one of the oldest in West Africa. This historic event marks the beginning of the new year for the Guin people and plays a crucial role in reconciliation within Guin communities.
This year, the sacred stone displayed an intriguing color, a subtle blend of white and dirt. According to the Gê Yéhoué priests, this new white-dirty hue signifies times of peace, happiness, prosperity, and harmony for the Guin people. Furthermore, the color of the stone has sparked various interpretations and speculations among the participants.
During the ceremony, the Minister of Culture, Kossi Gbenyo Lamadokou, reassured the Guin people that efforts are already underway to have this site recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This international recognition would help preserve and promote this millennia-old tradition while drawing global attention to Togo’s cultural richness.
