LIANA BRIDGE

Located in the village of Lieupleu, 80 km from the city of Man, the liana bridge is the most well-known of its kind. In addition to this one, about ten others can be found in the same area. It spans the Cavally River in western Côte d'Ivoire, in the heart of Yacouba country (an Ivorian ethnic group). Many myths surround the construction of these bridges, but only the initiated know the true story. What is known is that a few days before a liana bridge is built, young initiates go out to gather the vines needed for construction and lay them along the riverbank where the bridge will be erected. Villagers may come to bring food to those who will build the bridge, but they must return home quickly or risk mystical punishment from the spirits. The construction technique is said to have been passed down by Tonin (the spider) to the Yacouba initiates. Out of respect for tradition, visitors are asked to remove their shoes before crossing the bridge.