Zemanek-Münster

Standing female figure "kamba"

Sierra Leone, Mende
sold EUR 6,000
Provenance
Old British Collection
Size
H: 58 cm
H: 22.8 inch

Description

wood, shiny black patina, silver sheet metal, rep. cracks

Two figures, probably from the same workshop, depicted in Gottschalk (2011), ill. 156 and 157 (see also AHDRC 0112702 and 0112748).

The original name of the figures as “minsereh” is based on a phonetic misunderstanding. Rather, the figures represent “minsile”, which means something like “spirit being” and are called by the Mende “kambeisia” (sing. “kamba”).


Comparing literature

Gottschalk, Burkhard, Bundu Masken und Statuen aus privaten Sammlungen, Düsseldorf 2011, ill. 156 f.

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