Introduction

The Themne, also called Thaimne, Temne migration to present-day Sierra Leone goes as far back as the 11th and 12th century, mainly due to the fall of Jallonkadu Empire in what eventually became Fouta Djallon. According to oral tradition, the Themne consider their ancestral home to be the Fouta Djallon highlands in the interior of present-day Guinea. The Themne constitute the largest ethnic group in Sierra Leone with a percentage of 35.5% of the total population. They are predominantly found in the Northern Province of Sierra Leone while some are found in Guinea. The Themne left their original settlements (Fouta Djallon) and fled to Sierra Leone through the south in the 15th century to escape the Fula Jihads before settling around the Rokel River and Kolente in the North. Their largest concentrations are found in the northwestern and central parts of Sierra Leone, as well as the coastal capital city of Freetown. 

Religion

The Themne were traditionalists who practiced the African Traditional Religion before they contacted the Muslim traders from neighbouring ethnic groups who introduced Islam to them. Some Themne converted to Christianity as they came in contact with Christian missionaries in the 18th century. The Themne have a belief in a Supreme Being and Creator referred to as Kuru Masaba. The term Kuru means God while Masaba means “the big king”. The Themne also believe in lesser gods which they pass through before approaching Kuru Masaba, because they believe that Kuru Masaba cannot be approach directly except through the intercession of patrilineal ancestral spirits, and sacrifices are offered to them when requesting for help. 

Society, Culture and Economic Activities

The Bondo for women and Poro for men are predominantly the secret societies practice by the Themne. Chiefdoms partake in these secret societies when the season comes, and young boys and girls are initiated which are rites of passage for them. The Themne are predominantly traders and traditionally farmers, fishermen and artisans. They grow crops like cassava, rice, potato, yam, millet, bennie, kola nut, pepper, banana etc. they also grow cash crops like peanuts and tobacco. 

Social Stratification

The Themne have a decentralized political system with the O’Bai as their village chief with his administration- Pa-Alimamy, Pa-Santigie, Nakarmah, Ngboli-name of the elders in council etc. that run the affairs of the Themne tribe.  Themne has a patrilineal society and are mostly polygamous in nature. The men are mostly the decision makers and bread winners. They marry more than one wife which is influenced by the economic activities they embark on.  Children take their fathers surnames and are often seen as their property.   

Conclusion

The Themne, just like the yourabah of Nigeria, are mostly traders who occupied themselves in trading both locally and internationally and some educated ones as entrepreneurs. This is mainly the reason why they have occupied a wholesome of both western urban (Freetown) and western Rural (waterloo and its environs) districts. Also, the Themne language has become the second wide spoken local dialect aside krio. The Themne are known for their studiousness in doing business and hospitality.