10 Highlights from Sierra Leone National Museum

Sierra Leone National Museum holds objects telling fascinating stories of the country's history, heritage and people. It stands as the most important physical treasury for the most of the country's historic national assets. Here are 10 highlights.

One of the first objects to be acquired by the Museum was this wooden helmet mask. It was worn by the 'ndoli jowei' or 'dancing sowei' of the women's Sande or Bondo society. This mask is the symbol of feminine pride and belongingness in rural communities in Sierra Leone.

A xylophone-like musical instrument that is usually played with two beaters, the balangi is an essential presence during local dance and other festivals Sierra Leone. Sounds are produced by beating its stringed pieces of wood tied onto a platform of bamboo strips.

A carved stone figure owing its origins from the Mende tribe in Sierra Leone, the nomoli was originally shaped to represent local chiefs, warriors and gods. In the Mende tradition, this figure was thought  of as the god of rice who possesed the power to bless and curse rice farmers

Tabulay is a bowl-shaped drum laced with dried hide.  It was dominantly used in rural areas in Sierra Leone to call people to prayer or meetings. Today, it is found throughout Sierra Leone as a major local musical instrument.

Mami Wata is a Krio name for a mermaid that is supposed to be present in rivers or lake. In times past, it was seen as a river spirit with powers to enchant humans and lure people into the sea.

The 'sowei' mask is a helmet-like wooden mask worn over the head of the most revered dancer in the female secret societies of Sande and Bondo in Sierra Leone. The spirit of the sowei represents authority among members of the society.

Sierra Leone has a rich culture and history of leadership. The sacred wooden staff is a mark of chieftaincy that is preserved only for paramount chiefs. It inspired the shape and prestige of the modern Staff of Power given to newly elected Presidents of Sierra Leone.

A reminder of wisdom and indigenous craft, the snuff mortar is dominantly used by old women in rural Sierra Leone to pound and prepare tobacco-like substance made from local leaves.

Sierra Leone National Museum considers the trains as a national heritage assets. This locomotive is one of several collection of trains which formed the national railway system.

The Goboi head dress is worn by a popular dance "devil" in Mendeland. The Goboi is one of several sacred dancers that mark the annual secret society and farm festival in that part of Sierra Leone.

This story has presented a few but essential artefacts and heritage assets that are preserved in collections by the Sierra Leone National Museum. Visit us today and feel the history and unique cultures of Sierra Leone.