Things to see and do Oussouye

At "Joseph's", you will know all about the cashew tree, its apple and cashew nut! Paterne, who has taken over his father's business, Joseph Diamacoune, will explain the entire manufacturing process and you will quickly understand why the nut is so expensive. The visit is superb: lively, dynamic, rich in explanations. Small tasting at the end of the tour by peeling the nuts, before discovering the diversity of its range: from natural nuts, lemony, to honey, etc. Not to be missed under any circumstances if you are in the region.

The basketry workshop is run by local women with polio who earn their living from this local craft. Associated in GIE, they finance with the profits the purchase of pedal cars adapted to their handicap to get around. You can see them at work and admire their patience and agility in forming cups, pots, vases, hats, etc. They also make batik bags. Nice souvenirs to take home!

If you want to greet the king's wives and the children of the village, pass by the royal house, a lively place where you can have tea and chat with the inhabitants. In Oussouye, the royal house is open to everyone. The royal huts are only accessible to the king's wives, princes and princesses, but you will meet in the courtyard old women who have no sons left in the village and who live here, under the king's benevolence. The king does not live here, but in the Sacred Wood, where the royal palace is located, accessible only to the initiated.

It is possible to request an audience with the king, if you wish to speak to him about a subject that is close to your heart and that concerns the village, at the royal house. He will meet you in front of the sacred wood around 5 pm. Be very respectful, do not monopolize his time, and do not ask any questions that disturb. Everything that revolves around beliefs, his enthronement and rites is very mystical, "nye nye" in diola, taboo what!