Lucky Charms of Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone is home to the Poro and Sande secret societies, among the most powerful indigenous institutions in West Africa, which produce and control specific amulets as part of initiation into adult spiritual knowledge. Sande society helmet masks (sowei) — worn by female society leaders — are among the most celebrated African art objects and concentrate protective feminine spiritual power.

Gris-gris amulets are worn throughout the country by Muslim and animist practitioners alike. Cowrie shells are ubiquitous in traditional dress and divination. The Krio (Creole) community of Freetown, descendants of freed enslaved people, maintains its own syncretic protective traditions blending West African, Caribbean, and European elements.