Magic Gown

This impressive cotton gown is covered with small amulets, or sebe, likely to contain Qur anic scripts. Such powerful amulets are believed to be protective, or to make the wearer of the gown invisible. This gown is thought to have belonged to a Fula warrior king in the late 18th century.

Further Information

  • Type: Costume, dress, Religious/ritual equipment, charms
  • Object: Magic Gown
  • Materials: Textile
  • Culture Group: Fula
  • Dimensions: Unknown
  • Production Date: Pre 1968
  • Associated Places: Freetown
  • Associated People: A.B. Seisay (Seller)
  • Museum: Sierra Leone National Museum
  • Accession Number: SLNM.1969.01.01

Related Objects

Embroidered Cap

Costume, dress

Mami Wata

Figures, sculpture, Religious/ritual equipment, charms

Gbangbani Cap

Costume, dress, Religious/ritual equipment, charms

Wooden Figure

Figures, sculpture, Religious/ritual equipment, charms

Chief's Cup

Containers, vessels, Religious/ritual equipment, charms