Goboi Headdress

This is the headdress worn by a Goboi masquerader. The Goboi is the Mende name for a masquerader associated with the exclusively male Poro society. Today, it is often associated with entertainment. It is made from a wicker frame, covered in leather, fur and textile, and often has a raffia skirt. This one is decorated with cowrie shells, mirrors, coloured wool, as well as animal skin.

Further Information

Type: Masks, headdresses
Object: Goboi Headdress
Materials: Vegetable, organic fibre, Textile, Shell, Feather, fur, hair, horn, Glass
Culture Group: Temne
Dimensions: Unknown
Production Date: Pre 1964
Associated Places: Sandoma village near Tasso Island
Associated People: Thomas Kamara (Seller)
Museum: Sierra Leone National Museum
Accession Number: SLNM.1964.49.01