This ceremonial tunic from the Oku people, made of cotton and human hair, dates back to the 1900s. The Oku people, also known as the Aku Marabout or Aku Mohammedans, are an ethnic group in Sierra Leone and The Gambia. They are primarily descendants of educated, liberated Muslim Yorubas from Southwest Nigeria, who were freed from slave ships and resettled in Sierra Leone as Liberated Africans in the 19th century. Some also came as settlers during this time. The intricate use of cotton and human hair in this tunic reflects both cultural traditions and a deep connection to the past, symbolizing resilience and the reassertion of identity. This garment, with its historical and cultural significance, showcases the unique heritage of the Oku people and their journey of liberation.
