History

Sarah’s Uncle, Paramount Chief Joseph Tommy Kposowa, giving his inauguration speech after his election as Chief. The Staff of Office (Staff of Honor) is given to chiefs. It is like a crown for a king or queen.
SARAH CULBERSON: PARAMOUNT CHIEFTAINCY ROOTS
By Dr. Tibbie Kposowa

OVERVIEW: This article traces the historical and legal basis of the Paramount Chieftaincy system in Sierra Leone and Sarah Culberson’s position as a princess (mahaloi) from one of the ruling houses of Bumpe Chiefdom, Bo District. The heroic role played by the people of Bumpe Chiefdom in the Sierra Leone’s Protectorate’s resistance against British taxation of people’s houses in the 1890s is narrated.

SARAH CULBERSON: PARAMOUNT CHIEFTAINCY ROOTS
By Dr. Tibbie Kposowa

Sarah Culberson’s royalty has a legal basis in the establishment of the British West African colonies during the reign of Queen Victoria of England. In the late 19th Century, Sierra Leone was divided into two territories: the Colony which covered Freetown and the Sierra Leone peninsula; and the Protectorate which covered the vast hinterland of Sierra Leone. A Protectorate was proclaimed over the hinterland on August 31, 1896 while Governor Frederic Cardew was the British Governor of Sierra Leone. But due to lack of enough white administrators and the heavy cost of administering the Protectorate directly from London, the British government instituted a policy of indirect rule for the local government system. To do this effectively, it divided the Protectorate into districts (each headed by a British District Commissioner) and districts into chiefdoms. The Paramount Chiefs administered the chiefdoms with respect to the customary laws and customs of their various ethnic regions. They were responsible to the British District Commissioners who in turn were responsible to the central government headed by the British Governor. The Governor retained the authority to maintain law and security of the entire colony of Sierra Leone. The court of Native Chiefs, one of the court systems established by the Governor, dealt with civil cases within the chiefdom. The Native Administration system established in 1937 provided for a court system, a Chiefdom Treasury, a chiefdom tax system, and government grants for maintaining roads and primary schools. Although the sovereignty of the Paramount Chiefs was undermined by the colonial administration (their authority being less than the power they had as kings and queens before the Protectorate declaration), these provisions allowed them to rule with relative ease.

Today, the Paramount Chief administers the chiefdom with the help of the following local chiefs: the Speaker, who takes the Chief’s place while he or she is away from the chiefdom; and the section, town and village chiefs. The chieftaincy position is hereditary and the chief stays in office until his or her death. Although the position is hereditary, it is democratic because the Paramount Chiefs are elected and each chiefdom has several Ruling Houses whose representatives contest the position after the death of a Chief. Sarah is a mahaloi (child of a chief) because her father, Joseph Konia Kposowa, comes from the House of the Kposowas.

Sarah’s grandfather and great-grandfather were both Paramount Chiefs. Paramount Chief Francis Kposowa, her grandfather, was such an exemplary chief that he acquired the titles of JP (Justice of the Peace), CH (Chief of Honor) and MBE (Member of the British Empire). During his reign (1946-1973), the British government invited him and other exemplary chiefs to London to meet with Queen Elizabeth II. He was the chief in office during Sierra Leone independence in 1961 and Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to Sierra Leone in 1962. During his reign, he constructed a network of roads between the section towns within the chiefdom and opened many primary schools. Bumpe High School, the first secondary school in the chiefdom, was built with his cooperation by the United Brethren in Christ mission. Sarah’s father, Joseph Konia Kposowa, is currently the principal of Bumpe High School. The accomplishments of Sarah’s grandfather show how the House of the Kposowas for generations has proven to the 36,000 people in the chiefdom that its representatives will be always worthy of the position. Today Sarah’s uncle, Joseph Tommy Kposowa, is the Paramount Chief of Bumpe Chiefdom. Like his predecessors, he received a Staff of Office (also referred to as Staff of Honor) from the President of the country. The Staff, like the crown of a king or queen, is the Paramount Chief’s symbol of power or royalty and is surrendered by the Ruling House when a Paramount Chief dies.

Historically, Bumpe Chiefdom is known for its contribution to the resistance of the Protectorate people against the British taxation of their houses. After the Protectorate was established, Governor Cardew started raising money for administering the chiefdoms through taxation. Each hut was to be taxed five shillings and each house was to be taxed ten shillings. Like the undemocratic way the British declared a Protectorate over the hinterland of Sierra Leone, the Governor tried to tax people without their consent. At the time of the Protectorate declaration, some members of the British Legislative Council in Freetown had argued that the Ordinances were not legitimate because there were no grounds for taking over the lands of the people. Since they had not been conquered in war, they were still free. Grievances against the British culminated in the 1898 Hut Tax War. Paramount Chiefs who refused to collect the tax for the District Commissioners were imprisoned. In Northern Sierra Leone, Bai Bureh was the leader of the hut tax revolt. In the South, one of the areas where the tax was fiercely opposed in 1898 was Bumpe, where the Kposowa House was one of the Ruling Houses. In A New History of Sierra Leone (1990, pp. 141-142), Professor Joe A.D. Alie pointed out the role of Bumpe in the protests:

Meanwhile, the southern communities planned an uprising on 27 April (1898) at Bumpe. The war-planners used the Poro as a cover to ensure secrecy, swearing their supporters on a ‘one word’ (in Mende, ngo-yila) oath, which gave one choice – obey or be killed... Two British columns, reinforced by local allies, went out after the freedom fighters. One started from Songo and another from Bonthe. The first column advanced through Rotifunk and overran Taiama. The second column met with fierce resistance in Bumpe, but elsewhere there was little fighting.

This evidence shows that Sarah comes from a home of brave warriors who used to fight for their freedom. Though their resistance was on a much smaller scale, it does bring to the minds of Americans their own struggle against the British: No taxation without representation.

Ruling houses in Sierra Leone are not derived from an established monarchy like the empire-based monarchies of Europe. Such monarchies, due to conquest and its fruits flowing in from different parts of an empire, are based on opulence and sustained by military might. In the 1890s in Sierra Leone the Ruling Houses of Bumpe never aimed at building an empire. They only defended their freedom and territory against their neighbors and the British. Today the chiefdom is part of Sierra Leone, a country that has been devastated in a civil war which started in March 1991. It ended in January 2002 with the complete devastation of the country’s economy and its infrastructure. Sarah’s discovery of her roots came at a time when a chiefdom of innocent people is bleeding from the guns and machetes of a vicious rebel movement called the Revolutionary United Front. Thousands of her people were killed and hundreds more amputated, and Bumpe, the chiefdom headquarters, was burned down together with many other section towns and villages. Bumpe High School was also completely destroyed. Thanks to the work of the Kposowa Foundation, the high school is being rebuilt. Sarah’s task as a princess comes not at a peaceful time but at a time when her people are desperate for help. Donations to help with its rebuilding and other projects like digging wells for fresh water and building health clinics can be sent through bumpefund.org.

The values instilled into Sarah by her adoptive parents, Dr. James Culberson of West Virginia University and Judith Culberson, a retired special education teacher, led to her decision to undertake the enormous task of helping Bumpe Chiefdom. Both parents are actively involved in the work of the Kposowa Foundation. Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it’s going to take the collective effort of the Foundation to rebuild a chiefdom. Their task is noble; their obligation moral.

How do you pronounce Kposowa? What does it mean?
by Dr. Tibbie Kposowa

The pronunciation of the name Kposowa is PO-SO-WA. The explosive sound 'kpo' in the Mende name 'Kposowa' does not exist in the English language. For convenience, English speakers keep the 'k' silent like in the English words: knight, knowledge, knot, etc.

The name Kposowa means “Big Trap’ but it is a special type of trap. It is a heavy, oval mound (pile of earth) about 24 inches by 18 inches supported at one end by a very thin stick on which a bait is attached. The heavy mound collapses on a small animal getting under to eat the bait. The trap itself is small but the name Kposowa conjures up ideas about crushing and completely burying a wrong doer. By extension, the name conjures up memories of a warrior who crushes his enemies on the battle field. (PLEASE NOTE: 1. The earlier Kposowas were warriors but the name Kposowa does not mean a warrior. It refers to the crushing blow a warrior inflicts on his antagonists. 2. The general word for a trap in Mende is manie. Kposowa is one kind of manie or trap).

A School is Born – 1963
“Why can’t we have a secondary school in Bumpe?”

"Where will you Get teachers when there aren’t enough for Centennial School at Mattru?- What? Where? When? How? Why"

For about a year, these questions went through the minds of our missionaries. Rev. Jerry Datema (then on the African field) and Miss Olive Weaver kept encouraging the missionaries and finally a proposal was made – we would start a new school at Bumpe.Rev. Russel Birdsall secured the approval of the government and mission boards. Then he began making preparations for the new school. A plea was made to Dr. and Mrs. DeWitt Baker and family, to return to the field. Because the younger Baker children were in school and Ronnie was to complete high school, Dr. Baker Decided to go to Africa alone and leave his family at home. The Lord took care Of that in His own way and on September 10, 1963 Dr. Baker with his family (except for Ronnie) came to be field secretary and principal founder of our second high school under United Brethren sponsorship in Sierra Leone.

Before the arrival of the Bakers, Rev. Birdsall had made the official beginning of our school by getting books, furniture and other necessary equipment together. The school opened September 19th by having classes on the Bible Institute compound. There were ten boarding girls and a teaching staff consisting of Dr. Baker, E.G. Sharkah, and Christianna Atarrah (a graduate of Centennial). In December Of that year I was privileged to join the staff.

In 1964 came the clearing of the grounds to enable us to visualize the possible layout for the project ahead. Many, many hours were contributed by the people of the community under the direction of Paramount Chief Francis Kposowa ( himself a mission trained leader). We cannot adequately thank the folk enough For the help they gave. It was a beautiful sight when the grounds were all cleared.Many times we used to walk over the grounds as Dr. Baker would tell everyone where the houses, dormitories, classrooms and other buildings would be located. Maybe it was because we always climbed up a “bug-a-bug” hill that our heads Were in the clouds while talking, but on our return to the house the remark Always came from someone, “It looks good on paper!”

The heavy rains came and the bridge we thought had been properly located and built was covered waist deep in water. Also the area where we had planned for the houses was flooded. We now feel the Lord permitted this to show us that our plans were not properly laid. This was a very hard rainy season and if had not come at this time we might have built and been in trouble later.

Blessings and trials always go along with new things. Witness the following brief snatches of excited conversation heard late at night. “The footballs are gone… I thought I heard something… they took his shirt off the chair and shut the door… they must have been in the car… they left the palm oil behind… all my stamps are gone.” These and other exclamations made us feel the second year was bringing too much thievery. Since we are so close to the country’s main road which is heavily traveled it is hard to control such thefts. Discouragement hit hard. If this school is to be, then why should the little we have be taken away. The Lord knew that answer too and some day He will explain it all to us.

Even more questions came before us for answers. Where do we draw the line on taking students? Will there be enough teachers? Part of our answers came in that The CARE organization provided pan (galvanized) roof, Chief Kposowa provided Money and town people helped to build a mud-type classroom with a partition to make two rooms. It would do for a year anyhow… It is falling apart now.

So school began with 140 students but without a full staff of teachers. In one week’s time we were on a regular schedule. Mr. Richard Scoville arrived to be assistant principal. Others on the staff included Mr. Samual Lebby, Mr. R.J. Kain, Mr. Rogers, Mr. Mustapha and Miss Barka, after the departure of Miss Atarrah and Mr. Sharkah. The arrival of Mr. Scoville picked up our sports interest and we have gone ahead to take many awards, surprising other schools with our talent as we push against fully established schools.

Christian character was molded as we have enjoyed two great revivals by Pastor Thomas Stevens (U.B.C.) and Pastor Smith (E.U.B.). This is what we have come here for. A real interest was taken in learning the things of the church and Bible knowledge classes (part of the school curriculum) took on more meaning.

We feel there is a very important task to do among our young people here as we see them preparing for various occupations and possibly high positions in their government. May they go into these places of service as true Christians.

Good news came February 24
Good news came February 24 with the arrival of the Scovilles’ baby son, nick named “Joe Bumpe Scoville.” The next day while our hopes for government grants were low, a letter came announcing scholarships for this year to many of our students. Assembly was called to relate this good news at which time Dr. Baker also announced that he had just received a letter with $5,600.00 for a building grant. It didn’t take much effort to sing, “Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow,” and I think the pan roof raised a little.

A staff meeting was called to consider our next procedures. What should we do with this amount? We must have six classrooms for next year. As Africans say, “How for do?” Dr. Baker had plans made and told us what was needed to erect six classrooms. Then we put the problem before the students and when they asked to help we organized then into groups. Each class was to make 2,000 blocks. To date, they have made 8,288 blocks, which was more than we planned.

I wish I could take you back to those days of working. I just could not get over the cooperation of students and staff as they worked to help us save and make necessary rooms possible.

“I want the shovel,” “No, you work next week… hurry or the other form will get more sand than we do!” (They ran from the river to the lorry with head pans of sand) “It is time to quit – 7:30pm” “No, I already mixed this cement with water and it can’t wait till morning.” “Why don’t we all take a break for lunch (Saturday)?” “No, Miss Brown, you go eat but we don’t want to stop till we are done.” “Do you think the principal will mind if I use my free teaching periods to work on the blocks?” (This was asked by a teacher) Hour after hour in their spare moments after school, they faithfully struggled to get ahead in the project. Then on the day of rejoicing as the project was completed we feasted on a big 160 lb. pig with rice chop.

The term closed and everyone left the work behind. Then as another term began and students returned they found that foundations had been laid, pillars were up and their blocks were being laid.

Every struggling moment and long hour quickly passed away and a new era has come into being. The Lord has done much in His own time.

Can the new school buildings be ready by September? Keep your eyes on The United Brethren as we can’t tell how far we can go before the money runs out. Pray that this money will stretch farther than we really expect. God has great plans in store for us and it is a blessing to see each door open, one at a time.

Disappointing news in 1967
If we the Government and the Ministry of education are able to continue to accommodate all the students of Bumpe High School to be admitted next year, another classroom block will have to be built. To build it is to merely keep up with the enrolment demand; this is not a suggested improvement, but a requirement. In order to operate properly and efficiently and to conform to current health regulations set by the Government it is absolutely necessary that a water system be built which can serve the needs of Bumpe High School. This is a requirement which is wisely imposed by the government, but which are nevertheless unable to meet with our existing resources.

Epilogue 1973 is a year of hope because Bumpe High School is proud of the steady progress and growth of the past 10 years. We are indeed grateful to the Government, Ministry of Education, Principal and the World Bank having selected us as one of the beneficiaries of the I.D.A. Education Project. Today we can boast of modern classrooms, laboratories that are second to none, a modern administration building, a staff room, good toilet facilities, a pipe born water system and so on. We doff our hats to these philanthropists who made this project a real reality. We hope that our brothers and sisters will make use of this opportunity.

“A basic curriculum and a sense of dedication are the unique heritage this school offers. Bumpe High School must continue to attract some of the best students in Sierra Leone and provide them with an education and orientation to fit them for living in the modern world… In a country where traditional African life predominates and a system of education is in the early stages of development, Bumpe High School stands as a beacon of progress and educational excellence. In an institution as small and yet as important as Bumpe High School any assistance will have a greater impact than would similar assistance to larger schools.”

- Paramount Chief Francis Kposowa

The early history of the Bumpe High School amply illustrates its importance, quality and status during the early years of Sierra Leone’s independence. The school continued to serve the region and the chiefdom well as an important institution until the total disruption of civic organization that accompanied the RUF-led civil uprising of the 1990s. When Bumpe village was repeatedly invaded and assaulted by rebel groups during the ‘90s, Bumpe High School was a convenient place for rebels to camp, equipped as it was with dormitories, and cooking and toilet facilities. During and after occupation, rebels stole zinc roofing, the large electrical generators, and the pumps and piping of the central water system. Before departing they burned all the wood furniture and any flammable part of the buildings. What the Kposowa Foundation began rebuilding at Bumpe High School in 2007 was anything the rebels couldn’t steal or destroy.