Standing female figure ·  Sierra Leone, Mende · ID: 3047302

Description

wood, pigments, crack, rest.

Throughout Mendeland mostly female figures were used for ritual acts of the different secret societies (“sande”, “njayei”, “humoi” or “yassi”).

They have a protective role and therapeutic function, and are usually
intended for curing diseases resulting from the transgression of interdictions.

Comparing literature

Hommel, William, Art of the Mende, University of Maryland 1974, ill. 50 ff.