Krio architecture

The Chronicle is pleased to exhibit these unique examples of Krio architecture in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The styles shown originate with the Krio or Creole peoples. These were groups of African men and women returned to West Africa from England, the U.S.A. and Canada more than two hundred years ago. We gratefully acknowledge the contributions of Sylvie Kande and Arthur Timothy.

Sylvie Kande writes: ""Creole" architecture was created by the returnees, at least those who decided to congregate in Freetown and did not mix with the local people after "returning".

At first their architecture was fairly similar to the indigenous. Later with the importation of new material, they tended to build houses in permanent material, on two storeys. Their buildings integrate various components of their previous housing experiences (Caribbean re: air-circulation, for instance) From these rudimentary origins Freetown was built during the period of British colonial administration".