Traditional attires of Sierra Leone

Traditional are very important in Sierra Leone culture especially on important occasions like weddings, naming ceremonies, and at cultural events. On these occasions every partaking member is suppose to wear the traditional attire. Depending on the theme of the event, people wear matching clothe known as Ashobi or different kind of attire. The attire that is shown in the picture above is called the boubou. It is usually worn at weddings, cultural events, and at naming ceremonies. The boubou include a long sleeve under garment and a big long gown(boubou) that goes over the under garment and bottom.

This picture is an example of what the older women wear to events such as marriage, and cultural events. This is called country cloth and it weaved by hand then sewn into this beautiful style. It is the most expensive material and it is mostly worn by people who are financially fortunate. Women also wear gown with a big wrapper (a big long piece of cloth that goes around the waist down to the feet).

The material worn in this picture is an inexpensive one that is mostly worn by young girls. Most start wearing clothing like what is shown in the picture above after they have reached puberty. At puberty most parents celebrate it by buying them clothing that is worn by grown women. Sometimes country cloth can be passed to the first daughter of the family depending on the family's traditional beliefs. Young boys wear a rappel which is just a long sleeve shirts and bottom. For them also they start wearing boubou after going through a ceremony at age 15 that give them the right to manhood.