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: Feather, fur, hair, horn, Glass, Leather, animal skin, Shell, Textile, Vegetable, organic fibre
Culture Group: Mende
Dimensions: 254mm (H), 483mm (C)
Production Date: Pre 1981
Associated Places: Banta Chiefdom, Moyamba District
Associated People: Aigis Moksu (Maker)
Museum: Sierra Leone National Museum
Accession Number: SLNM.1981.02.04