How to become a “Makocok”

Prior to the influence of Christianity in Ron-Kulere country, which began in the 1930s, there existed hierarchically structured cult associations. Among the Ron, only males were allowed to take part in the rituals. Women were not allowed to see the masqueraders associated with it. At a certain age, boys were initiated into the lowest rank. In order to become a member (makocok) and ascend into higher ranks of the associations one had to prepare feasts for their members. The following text by Mr. Mafulul Lek explains how this was done and some other traditions associated with the kocok.

How the traditional rulers lost their power

Here is another story by Mafulul Lek in which he deals with the Ron traditional religion (Nyorong). Nyorong is the name of a grass mask worn by a person who thus represents the traditional religious authority. In former times, this authority was highly feared. The following story tells another case of a person who challenged that authority.

At the end of the story, Mafulul Lek provides a list of all the traditional rulers and modern district heads of Daffo until 1990. Check whether you know any of their names!

Everyone should be treated alike

In the past, in Ron country, law and customs were maintained by the kocok, a religiously sanctioned caste of elders. The head of that caste was called “Saf ma Nyorong“. The following story by Mafulul Lek tells how a man who was  a makocok himself challenged their authority.