The top hat as a sign of chieftaincy in Sierra Leone. The civilised man's head-dress as a symbol of sovereignty for women as well as men rulers. The image at the top of the page shows: 'wearing his royal top hat: the coronation of the Sokong of Imperri in the Sherbro country'. The coronation was presided over by the Bai Sherbro, the suzerain of the whole Sherbro country. Adjoining countries provide a Tasso, who is head of the Poro order. They wear an enormous head covering, on which the skulls of their predecessors repose. The lower image is captioned, 'the top hat as a sign of sovereignty for queens as well as kings: Queen Messi of Massa attending a political meeting.'