CULTURE
Traditional and Western lifestyles
coexist; however, traditional values, customs, and norms influence
the Western type considerably. In cities both Western and African
music and dancing styles are in vogue, but in rural areas traditional
rhythms are favoured. Schools instruct students in the legends,
traditions, songs, arts, and crafts of African culture, and the
government promotes African culture through such agencies as the
National Museum in Monrovia, the Tubman Center for African Culture
in Robertsport, and the National Cultural Center in Kendeja, which
exhibits architecture of the 16 ethnic groups of Liberia. Mask
making is an artistic pursuit that is also related to the social
structure of some ethnic groups. Music festivals, predominantly
religious, are held in most communities. The University of Liberia
has an arts and crafts centre. There are several libraries, including
a children's library in Monrovia and a National Public Library.
Football (soccer) is the most
popular sport. An intercounty football competition is held for
the annual championship. The University of Liberia and Cuttington
University College hold annual sports competitions. Monrovia has
five daily newspapers, including the Daily Observer, the largest
and most prestigious. A few magazines are published annually.
Officially, there is press freedom, but newspapers are banned
occasionally for violating government policies on information.
