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 example has leather flaps and is decorated with red, white, and black, cloth.

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Further Information

  • Type: Masks, headdresses
  • Object: Goboi Headdress
  • Materials: Textile, Feather, fur, hair, horn, Leather, animal skin
  • Culture Group: Mende
  • Dimensions: 590mm [H]
  • Production Date: Pre 2010
  • Associated Places: Unknown
  • Associated People: Unknown
  • Museum: Sierra Leone National Museum
  • Accession Number: SLNM.2010.032.03

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