Limba, East in Sierra Leone

Limba, East
Photo Source:  Copyrighted © 2024
International Mission Board-SBC - Rita Salter  All rights reserved.  Used with permission
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People Name: Limba, East
Country: Sierra Leone
10/40 Window: No
Population: 800
World Population: 2,000
Primary Language: Limba, East
Primary Religion: Islam
Christian Adherents: 15.00 %
Evangelicals: 3.00 %
Scripture: Translation Needed
Online Audio NT: No
Jesus Film: No
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: Atlantic
Affinity Bloc: Sub-Saharan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Many of the Limba people were hunters or farmers before their communities were devastated. The West and East Limba peoples suffered at the hands of slave traders who took them from their West African homelands and shipped them to North America. The risk of being captured drove many of them to go to Freetown, now in Sierra Leone. Others had to contend with African invaders such as the Susus, the Mandingos and the Fulanis.

Where Are they Located?

Limba people live in Sierra Leone, Liberia or Guinea. Today the two Limba tribes, West and East, make up the third largest tribe in Sierra Leone.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Both the West and East Limba people love visual arts, music and dance. They are noted for their copper masks which they use for funeral ceremonies. They excel in wood carvings, and one can buy them online. The Limba peoples love folk tales, which they use to teach their history and traditions to the young. They have their own proverbs and riddles which are passed down from generation to generation. They earn their living through hunting, growing rice or trading.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Though those in the northern regions are officially Muslim, the West and East Limba peoples rely heavily on their ancestral spirits. They have a spiritual "home" called Kakoia, where some go on a pilgrimage. Those in the southern regions, usually in Sierra Leone, are more likely to be Christians.

What Are Their Needs?

Both West and East Limba people need disciplers who will show them how to submit to the Lord of lords, and put their faith on the firm foundation, which is Christ.

Prayer Points

Pray for spiritual discernment and openness to truth among the East Limba people of Sierra Leone.
Pray for workers to take the gospel to them and disciple those who embrace Christ with teachings from the Bible.

Text Source:   Keith Carey