Liberia - West Africa - page 518

went into exile in Nigeria. A transitional government was established, leading to elections
in late 2005. Johnson-Sirleaf's winning candidature made her the first elected female pres-
ident in Africa.
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Culture
Liberia remains a country of exceptions. The old inequality hang-ups haven't gone away;
you'll notice that Americo-Liberians and returning, educated Liberians often enjoy better
treatment than those with indigenous roots. Various initiatives are under way to even
things out, but the road to cultural equality is likely to be long.
Regardless of their roots, one thing all Liberians have in common is their devotion to
family. Many people you meet will be supporting a dozen others. Religion is also import-
ant, with Christian families regularly attending revivals at churches.
The Liberian handshake (practised mostly by men) has Masonic origins and involves a
snappy pull-back of the third finger, often accompanied by a wide grin.
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People
The vast majority of Liberians are of indigenous origin, belonging to more than a dozen
major tribal groups, including the Kpelle in the centre, the Bassa around Buchanan and
the Mandingo (Mandinka) in the north. Americo-Liberians account for barely 5% of the
total. There's also an economically powerful Lebanese community in Monrovia.
Close to half of the population are Christians and about 20% are Muslim, with the re-
mainder following traditional religions.
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Arts & Crafts
Liberia has long been famed for its masks, especially those of the Gio in the northeast, in-
cluding the gunyege mask (which shelters a power-giving spirit), and the chimpanzee-like
kagle mask. The Bassa around Buchanan are renowned for their gela masks, which often
have elaborately carved coiffures , always with an odd number of plaits.