SECEET SOCIETIES. 
391 
G. Wilkinson says : “ From all we can learn on the 
subject, it appears that the mysteries consisted of 
two degrees, denominated the greater and the lesser 
(like the Bleusinian, which were borrowed from Egypt), 
and in order to become qualified for admission into 
the higher class, it was necessary to have passed 
through those of the inferior degree, and each of them 
was probably divided into ten grades.” “ The honour 
of ascending from the less to the greater mysteries, 
was as highly esteemed as it was difficult to obtain*.” 
Even princes were not privileged to initiation into 
the highest order until their accession to the throne, 
when, in virtue of their kingly office, and as president 
of the religion, they then became entitled. 
Now existing to the present day, there are among 
nearly allthe West Africans, certain mysterious societies 
connected with the priests or juju men, who are alone 
said to conduct the ceremonials : they are divided into 
classes, and the kings and fetiche-men are at the head 
of them. Thus the “Almouseri” of the Footatoros, the 
“Purrah” of the Timmanis and BuUoms, the Samo of 
theSoosooSjthe Mumbo-Jumbo of many tribes, the secret 
religious orders of the Akus, and the free Egbo of the 
Old Calabar and Oameroons. 
It is unfortunate, that except the last, so little is 
known of the organization of any of these societies, 
All of them are, however, reputedly in connexion 
Vide Wilkinson’s 1st Series, vol. i., p. 267. 
