Loko people

infobox ethnic group
group = The Loko


poptime = 171,000 [http://www.joshuaproject.net/peoples.php?rop3=105827]

popplace = Northern Province, Western Area
langs = Loko language
rels = African Traditional Religion 57%, Islam 40%, Christianity 4%
related = Temne people, Limba people, Kuranko people

The Loko are one of the indegenous ethnic group in Sierra Leone. They speak a Mande language that is also called Loko. the majority of the Loko people live in or around the capital city of Freetown and in the Northern Province of the country, particulaly in Port Loko District. The Loko were among the slaves shipped to North America while slavery still existed. The Loko were one of the largest ethnic groups in Sierra Leone during the colonial era, but their population has declined since then. The decline of their population is primarily due lack of native speakers, as many Loko children use the Temne and Krio language in place of their local language.

They Loko live on a land of gently rolling coastal plains broken by rocky spurs of the Fouta Djallon highlands. In this tropical region, the average temperature is about 82 F., with 65 to 95 inches of rain falls annually. Baboons, hyenas, and antelope are common in the area, as are snakes and crocodiles.

economy

The economy of Sierra Leone is based primarily on agriculture and mining. Like most of the tribes in West Africa, the Loko are primarily farmers. Rice, the staple crop, is grown both in the swamps and on the hillsides. Other important crops include manioc, corn, potatoes, peppers, and bananas. In addition, house gardens supply other vegetables, fruits, and nuts for each family.

Oil palms flourish in this region of Sierra Leone. The trunks, branches, palms, nuts, and sap of these trees are all used and highly treasured. Soap, wax, wine, oil, and baskets are just some of the items produced from the palms.

Culture and costume

Loko villages are grouped together at the bases of hills, in the open plains, or on the valley floors. Usually, a small group of compact huts makes up a village. These huts are round, with wooden walls and cone-shaped, thatched roofs.

The Loko are divided into nine districts, with each being ruled by a chief. Each village in the district is ruled by a headman, who answers to the chief. The Loko are a family-oriented people, and a village is generally made up of a family lineage. The Loko are also said to be open-minded, cooperative, and open to outside influences.

Loko society is basically patrilineal, which means that they trace their lineage through the males. Polygyny (having more than one wife) is practiced by many of the men. Before a Loko man marries, he must first pay a bride-price to the girl's parents.

The Loko are engaged in several crafts, such as basketry, cabinet making, and net making. In addition, they participate in many important ritual festivities and ceremonies throughout the year. Much dancing accompanies these events.

Religious and traditional beliefs

The Loko of Sierra Leone are approximately 40% Muslim; however, a majority of them (57%) are practice their African Traditional Religion] . About 4% of the population is Christian.

Many of the Loko are superstitious and believe in witches who can be either male or female. These witches are believed to derive pleasure from causing accidents and spreading sickness among the tribe. As a result, many Loko fear the witches and carry charms or medicines with them to ward off their evil acts.

Notable Loko people

*Gumbu Smart, Loko ruler
*Lamina Sankoh, prominent Sierra Leonean pre-independence politician
*Sorie Kondi, traditional musician [http://www.audicaentertainment.com/soriekondi/biography.html]
*Ibrahim Sesay, member of parliament from Kambia District
*Bai Kelfa Sankoh, paramount chief of Kambia District
*Sheik I. Kamara, member of parliament of Sierra Leone
*Issa Sesay, senior military officer and commander of the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council
*J. B. Dauda, Sierra Leonean politician
*Muwahid Sesay, Sierra Leonean football star
*Mustapha Sama, Sierra Leonean football star