Big Market, Freetown, Sierra Leone
“Big Markit” is located on Wallace Johnson street, which is right at the historic centre of Freetown. The Cotton Tree is only a ten-minutes walk away, and opposite of the market you find NASSIT in what used to be a slave trade centre.
The market has an interesting history as well. Before the war it was a general market, but when the rebels came to Freetown during the January 6th Invasion of 1999 they burned down the market and everything that was in it. As the government rebuilt the market they decided to make it an arts and crafts market that would have tourists as the main clients. They approached come sellers that were then stationed at Victoria park and reopened it as the Big Market it is now.
All the sellers have either made the products they sell themselves, or are selling crafts that were made in the provinces. You can find hand-woven baskets, traditional country cloth, bracelets and necklaces in all colours and materials, tie-died beadspreads, leather sandals and bags, to name just a few.
Epic Sierra Leon Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound
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