Namankera

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Masker of the RaGbenle society among the eastern Temne. The name 'Namankera' means 'messenger' and he is said to go from village to village in advance of the paramount chief's coronation to tell people when and where the ceremonies are to take place. He wears a costume of undyed raffia with a wooden black and white spotted mask that terminates in a round tube-like snout.

  • N.W.Thomas, Anthropological Report on Sierra Leone (London 1916). [Plate v]
  • V.R.Dorjahn, 'The organisation and functions of the Ragbenle Society of the Temne', Africa, 1959, XXIX, 2, 156-170.