PrintShare
Export citation
Text size Increase font sizeDecrease font size
Encyclopedia of African Religion

iconEncyclopedia

Encyclopedia of African Religion

Molefi Kete Asante & Ama Mazama

Pub. date: 2009 | Online Pub. Date: January 26, 2009 | DOI: 10.4135/9781412964623 | Print ISBN: 9781412936361 | Online ISBN: 9781412964623| Publisher:SAGE Publications, Inc.

About this encyclopedia
Text size

Temne

Ama Mazama

The Temne people are located in Sierra Leone, West Africa. The Temne are 1 of the 15 ethnic groups residing in Sierra Leone. They represent, however, about 30% of the population, and thus constitute one of the two largest ethnic groups in Sierra Leone (the other one being the Mende). They are a dominant presence more particularly in the northern province. According to Temne oral traditions, the Temne came from the Fouta Djallon region of the neighboring Republic of Guinea prior to the 15th century. The Temne are primarily farmers. Their main crop is rice, although they also engage in the cultivation of peanuts, cassava, oil palms, and fruits, and they raise chickens, ducks, sheep, and goats. Fishing also constitutes an important activity among the Temne, who reside in the coastal areas of the country. Temne religion is predicated on the belief in Kurumasaba , the Supreme God responsible for ...

Users without subscription are not able to see the full content on this title. Please, subscribe or login to access all content on this website.