Hunting Society Headdress

This deer headdress was originally acquired by the Sierra Leone National Museum as part of a complete Hunting Society masquerade outfit. The wooden deer head (known as the acparie ), which would have probably been covered in animal skin, and horns ( cati ), was orginally complete with its ampa , which rested on the back of the wearer. The costume was purchased from Samuel Cassell of Owen Street, Freetown, who is recorded as being the leader of the Society. The Hunting Society has Nigerian Yoruba origins and came to Sierra Leone via the liberated Africans , who settled in Freetown around the time of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act in 1807. The Krio are descendents of these people, however the Hunting Society is today enjoyed by people of many different backgrounds living in Sierra Leone's cities. This wooden deer head is worn on top of the head.

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Further Information

• Type: Masks, headdresses
• Object: Hunting Society Headdress
• Materials: Wood, Metal
• Culture Group: Krio
• Dimensions: Unknown
• Production Date: 1958
• Associated Places: Freetown
• Associated People: Samuel Cassel (Owner)
• Museum: Sierra Leone National Museum
• Accession Number: SLNM.1965.03.01A

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