Kinship networks play a vital role in an individual’s life. Some exceptions to the male-dominated Sierra Leonean society can be seen in the case of the coastal Sherbro peoples where women often head households or act as village chiefs. Inheritance is usually patrilineal with sons being the favored heirs of the father’s property and other valuables. Social values and gender-based roles are taught beginning at an early age. Both the extended family and the community participate in the upbringing of children. Mothers are closely associated with the infants and often carry them strapped to their backs while they engage in different tasks. Children grow up to participate in the labor force and thus multiply the household income. In fact, having more children is regarded as a boon. Often, the first wife has some authority over the other wives. In rural areas, polygynous families are not uncommon. Agriculture and mining account for two-thirds of all economic output. Households in Sierra Leone are usually extended with many generations living in the same complex. Sierra Leone’s sustained economic growth has been constrained by (i) exposure to multi-dimensional exogenous shocks (economic, epidemic, climatic) (ii) fragile institutions and (iii) limited fiscal space. A man pays the bride price in the form of money or goods in exchange for their daughter’s hand for marriage. The custom of paying bride price is prevalent in Sierra Leonean society. Yoga also has a significant following in the country.Īlthough marriages in the country were earlier arranged by families, “love marriages” are now becoming more common. The opportunity of exploring historical shipwrecks in shallow sea waters is also an interesting outdoor activity. In recent years, sports fishing and scuba diving have gained popularity. The country also has national cricket and basketball teams. The team has participated in several international football competitions including the 19 African Cup of Nations. The national football team of Sierra Leone is called the Leone Stars. The country was the first from Africa to become a member of the International Floorball Federation. Other favorite games include basketball, cricket, athletics, and boxing. Image credit: robertonencini / įootball is the most popular sport in Sierra Leone. Sports Football is a popular sport in Sierra Leone. Afropop, rap, reggae, Grime, R&B, and Dancehall styles of music and dance are also popular in the country, especially among the youth. It was introduced in the country by the Jamaican maroon settlers. The gumbe music is played using a square drum with legs. The Creole musical genre of gumbe also had a long presence in the country. The palm-wine music of the country is known as maringa. The various ethnic groups of the country have their own styles of folk music and dance. The music of Sierra Leone reflects influences of British, French, Creole, and West Indian music styles. Basket weaving, batik-printing, tie-dyeing, etc., are some other crafts practiced in the country. Tribal masks are made for ceremonial purposes but also to cater to the tourist market. Wood, ivory, and stone carving have been prominent for centuries in the country. Different ethnic groups residing in the country have distinct skills in art and craft. A variety of art and craft styles are prevalent in Sierra Leone.
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