Boma Community |
Boma community is located down the Moa River from Tiwai, on the mainland, near a small island called Nainiati (Sand Island in Mende). This community is unique among the eight others on the trail as it is the only one that has a woman as a chief. Legend has it that a 'Genie' made a prophecy that if Boma was to be prosperous, then the town chief must be female.
One of the prominent features in Boma is the giant cotton tree that looms over the village and is supposed to have been planted there many years ago to protect the village from bad weather and the cold winds that blow up the river during the rainy season. This village also has their own 'Country Cloth' weaver, Pa Foday, who weaves using a traditional loom, and a brilliant hammock maker who happens to be blind. He uses raffia and natural dyes for his work. |