Female half figure
Sierra Leone, Mende
not available anymore
Provenance
John Monroe, Nevada, USAAmyas Naegele, New York, USA
Size
H: 28 cm
H: 11.0 inch
Description
wood, glass, beads, base
Probably a medicine figure. They are kept in screened-off portion of the shrine house, which is also occupied by the principal woman of the society. Their primary use is to cure an illness, which is considered to be a result of some spiritual displeasure. The figure is used to bring spiritual aid in a person’s recovery, while herbs are used to give physical aid. They are also used in cases of injury.