The History of Masseleh
Masseleh town has been in existence for over 200 years. It is located in the Tonko Limba Chiefdom in the Eastern part of Kambia District, Northern Sierra Leone, West Africa. It is a strategic junction where three sections of the Chiefdom meet. These sections are the Mamako, Bubuya, and Magbonkoni.
The name “Masseleh” was coined from Temne, one of the local dialects, “E-seleh” literally means to lie down or rest. The story is that an exhausted warrior decided to rest by a big tree in a forest along his way. The fact that he woke up the following day unharmed was convincing for him to declare the area safe enough. He returned to the spot and built a hut. Other warriors and farmers joined him and the name was later modified to Maselleh. The number of huts multiplied rapidly. With time, the little huts were replaced by bigger grass houses. The space in the surrounding forest became too small for the rapidly increasing population. The village was then moved about 500 yards to a more open grassland area, henceforth referred to the New Town. Bigger houses and more of zinc roofing were constructed. The population consisted of a few Susu and Fulah settlers who brought Islamic teachings. Intermarriages with the indigenous people resulted in a rich cultural makeup. Today, both Islamic and Christian religions exist side by side. The Old Town still provides basic functions and needs for the people. For example, it serves as the town’s cemetery. It is the source for a variety of fruits like oranges, lime, lemon, bananas, plantains, coconuts, breadfruits and breadnuts. There are also cash crops like cola nuts, coffee, tola, etc. The Old Town is a great relaxing site for a visitor to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of nature. Economic activities were centered on farming, fishing, hunting and trapping. The landscape includes streams, swamps, grasslands and forests. For example, Kantheen Banka (Kantheen) is a famous mountainous reserve forest in the region with lots of folk tales and economic prospects. Social and cultural past times were always key components in the livelihood of Masseleh people. For example, Maseleh was very famous for its “Yamama Konikonie” This was a cultural play characterized by flamboyant Mask Dancers. They danced to a fast rhythmic set of drums that would get to heart throbbing climatic scenes. One such scene consisted of dancers dancing at the tip of a ten-foot bamboo pole. There was also the appearance and dancing of these dancers or their guides with a giant snake, like the python. The town was also known for its “Nuruyanati”. This was a relaxing cultural dance using a variety of drumbeats. Both men and women dressed up to their best and a pair or two would step into the dance floor to show off their steps. |
Masseleh Descendants Association
History of Masseleh
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