Gambian Raffia Hat

A hat, made from woven plaited raffia, with a leather strap and tassel. It is included as it was originally collected by a member of Sierra Leone's Krio community, Abdul S. Savage. From the mid-nineteenth century, Krio traders, missionaries and professionals settled along the coast of West Africa and in settlements on the Niger River. This Krio diaspora maintained close links with Sierra Leone through steam shipping lines, and objects from throughout the region found their way to Freetown where they were sometimes acquired by European collectors. Abdul S. Savage was a successful merchant, trading in kola nuts, and an important part of the Freetown community.

Further Information

  • Type: Costume, dress
  • Object: Gambian Raffia Hat
  • Materials: Leather, animal skin, Vegetable, organic fibre
  • Culture Group: Krio, Mandingo
  • Dimensions: Unknown
  • Production Date: Pre 1906
  • Associated Places: Gambia: Perai (Created and collected)
  • Associated People: Abdul Salami Savage (Collector); A. Ridyard (Donor)
  • Museum: World Museum Liverpool Sierra Leone Collection
  • Accession Number: LIVCM.3.9.06.11

Related Objects

Raffia Hat

Costume, dress