Sierra Leone's Vibrant Textiles
Discover the rich history and cultural significance of Ronko and Country Cloth
Worn with pride
Traditional Sierra Leonean attire, Ronko and Country Cloth, are worn by chiefs, hunters, warriors, and middle-class Sierra Leoneans celebrating their culture and history. These loose-fitting garments represent a unique heritage.
Textile BeatOriginal Source: Sierra Leone Heritage
Shared Heritage
Ronko and Country Cloth are made from the same materials. Cotton buds are harvested, dried, woven and mixed with plant fibres, kola nuts and starch. Ronko is made from country cloth as its raw product.
Ronko as a Traditional Gem.
Otherwise known as medicine shirt, the Ronko is thought of being potent against evil spirits when made with protective charms. The charms are specially created cowrie shells and seeds having undergone a sacred "washing" before hung on the ronko cloth.
A Royal Prize
In ancient and present-day northern Sierra Leone, the Ronko is treasured by paramount chiefs, medicine men, hunters, warriors and secret society leaders because of its spiritual protective significance.
A Yard of Country Cloth
Yards of country cloth can be moulded to produce caps, head-ties, overalls, duvets, pants, shirts etc
Traditional Country Cloth Cap
Today, both the royalty and ordinary Sierra Leonean cherishes this traditional cap made of country cloth. It can be worn suit-like on a shirt made of similar country cloth material over jeans or any other form of trousers.
A message on your cap
Here is a sacred cap worn by only secret society men or traditional leaders. Another product of country cloth, it is made with ring of cowries believed to be powerful charms.
Country Cloth Strip 03Original Source: Sierra Leone Heritage
For all Sizes, for all ages!
Ronko and Country Cloth continue to feature in the socio-cultural landscape of Sierra Leone. However, they should be declared an endangered species before the nation completely loses them to the growing influence of modernisation.
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