Songoi Top

This item is recorded by the Sierra Leone National Museum catalogue as a Songoi , or spinning top. It is made by drilling a hole into a palm nut, and attaching a stick. The catalogue notes that There are four tops, 2 or 3 players may play at a turn, others may play or rotate into the playing positions. Each player simultaneously spins his top on a mat - which ever knocks the others down, renders its owner the winner. A referee is usually elected by the party who should himself be an expert of the game, to decide all cases . The top was made by a John Bakondu of Kissy Village in January 1965.

Further Information

  • Type: Games, toys, models
  • Object: Songoi Top
  • Materials: Wood, Vegetable, organic fibre
  • Culture Group: Mende, Kono, Kisi, Sherbro
  • Dimensions: Unknown
  • Production Date: 1965
  • Associated Places: Kissy Village
  • Associated People: John Bakondu (Creator)
  • Museum: Sierra Leone National Museum
  • Accession Number: SLNM.1965.13.01B

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