A philosophy of liberation
"Bwiti" comes from the Tsogho bo-hete, meaning emancipation. Bwiti is a philosophy that allows the individual to transcend material constraints and become a banzi, "the one who has come out of their shell".
Gabonese NGO · founded 1999
Ebando is the reference NGO for the transmission of Bwiti Fang and Missoko traditions, for iboga initiation and for the culture of Gabon. Founded by Tatayo (Hugues Obiang Poitevin), the first Westerner initiated into Bwiti Fang back in 1979.
Co-founder
In Gabon since 1976 and a Gabonese citizen for 55 years, Hugues Obiang Poitevin became in 1979 the first Western person initiated into Bwiti Fang, then into the Missoko traditions in 1994. He co-founded his first NGO as early as 1981, which led to Ebando in 1999.
Tatayo is also fixer and co-fixer to date of 24 documentaries on the various traditions of the Pays Profond (the deep country of Gabon). He has supported more than 350 banzis and indirectly helped thousands of Gabonese people. His Bwiti Missoko Ngonde na Dipouma temple in Akanda welcomes researchers, therapists and candidates from all over the world.
Full biography →
Tradition
"Bwiti" comes from the Tsogho bo-hete, meaning emancipation. Bwiti is a philosophy that allows the individual to transcend material constraints and become a banzi, "the one who has come out of their shell".
Bwiti Fang, Bwiti Missoko, Bwiti Mitsogo: practiced by the Babongo, Mitsogo and Fang peoples. Official religion of Gabon, a syncretic blend of animism, ancestor worship and Christianity.
The nganga (man or woman) leads the ceremony. The maboundi assists. The sacred harp Ngombi, drums and bark torches set the rhythm of the night.
The plant
Iboga (Tabernanthe iboga) is a psychotropic rainforest shrub native to Central Africa. Its yellow root, which contains ibogaine, has been at the heart of Bwiti ceremonies for centuries. It is also known as eboghe, eboka, maboga or diboga.
In low doses, it sharpens the senses of hunters. In high doses, during initiation, it opens a vision and a passage that allow the banzi to review their life and come out transformed.
On June 6, 2000, Gabon's Council of Ministers declared Tabernanthe iboga a national treasure.
Full iboga page →Bwiti is not a religion you join. It is an ancient language the forest remembers how to speak through our lives.Tatayo, transmission since 1979
The path
Ebando no longer offers individual initiations. The path lasts 10 to 15 days and is designed for groups, ideally of three.
4 days of pre-initiation care, transmission of traditional knowledge, meetings with the nganga and the officiants.
Iboga intake, with a crew of 7 officiants. Drums, Ngombi, torches. Vision and passage.
Ritual closing, transmission, integration. The banzi is born. Post-initiation follow-up is available.
| Group size | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 person | €3,300 |
| 2 people | €6,600 |
| 3 people | €9,900 |
| Companion (per day) | €75 |
Included: airport transfers, lodging, traditional meals, electricity, water, wifi, Tatayo's services, nganga and maboundi participation, crew of 7 officiants, sacred materials and ceremony / exit vigil practices.
Safety: a medical certificate and pre-initiation questionnaire are mandatory. Iboga has severe cardiac and psychiatric contraindications. Any dishonest omission can be life-threatening. Ebando reserves the right to decline a candidacy.
Submit my applicationVoices of initiates
A few testimonials among the 350+ banzis supported by Tatayo and the Ebando team since 1999. Original verbatim texts.
"My time at Ebando was deep and profound. I was called to the medicine in the whispers of a dream. I was welcomed by the kindness that pours from Tatayo's being."
"The crew at Ebando are True and full of Love! Without hesitation, I would absolutely recommend them to welcome you to Gabon and introduce you to the ancient medicine of the forest there. The experience will change you forever."
"Big gratitude to Hugues Obiang Poitevin. Tatayoyo for the living love, prayers, and blessings of healing and to all the Bwiti brothers and sisters at Ebando who continue to do the work that illuminates many peoples' paths."
Beyond initiation
26-minute documentary produced with PISCCA fund support (2022) on violence against women in Gabon.
Partnership with the Psychology Department of Université Omar Bongo on violence in the family and community.
String Music Festival (2004), international placement of Gabonese circus artists, crafts, music of the Ngombi.
Reach out
For initiation requests, please use the form. For press, partnerships, donations or academic research, state it in the subject.