Rare female half figure in bowl-shaped base ·  Sierra Leone, Southern Bullom (Sherbro) / Mende Complex · ID: 3049404

Description

wood, metal,

One of these rare figures published by LaGamma (New York 2000, p. 28 / AHDRC 0112955). For another, see AHDRC 0112959.

These figurines were owned by the “yassi” society of the Sherbro.

Hall reports that they were kept as guardians of the medicines in the “yassi” meeting house. Such works were carried aloft in public processions to celebrate the initiation of new members and to commemorate a member’s death.

First and foremost, the figures were used in divination rites to cure physical and mental illnesses, which were usually the result of violations of the codes of conduct / laws established by the secret societies.

The counterpart to the “yassi” society of the Sherbro is the “njayei” society of the Mende.

Comparing literature

LaGamma, Alisa, Art and Oracle, New York 2000, p. 28 Hommel, William, Art of the Mende, University of Maryland 1974, ill. 46