Bumpe War Bell

This cast iron bell has an interesting story relating to its history. It was once used to summon villagers and warriors of Bumpe (Moyamba District) to meetings during the time of the 1898 Hut Tax war. During this time a United Methodist missionary, Mr Goodman, was captured at Tikonko village and forcibly taken to Bumpe, where he was to be put to death. The story goes that his life was saved by an old woman who remembered him as having once saved her son from an illness. This bell was later given Mr Goodman's Methodist Church in Tikonko by the Paramount Chief of Bumpe, as an apology.

Further Information

• Type: Musical instruments
• Object: Bumpe War Bell
• Materials: Metal
• Culture Group: Mende
• Dimensions: 318mm
• Production Date: Pre 1898
• Associated Places: Tikonko, Bo District (Place collected); Bumpe, Moyamba District (place associated)
• Associated People: Rev. Eric Wright, The Methodist Mission (Donor)
• Museum: Sierra Leone National Museum
• Accession Number: SLNM.1961.05.01

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