Standing female figure "kambei" or "lomba" ·  Sierra Leone, Mende · ID: 3042135

Description

light wood, black patina, strong body with broad round shoulders and overlong arms, striking small face, beautiful worked braided coiffure, the neck carved with rings and goiter, slightly dam. (nose, ears, left thumb), abrasion of paint;
“kambei” sculpture belongs to the “njayei” society. The figures are said to represent both deceased members of the association and, in some sense, the associations ancestral spirits, possibly the original founders of the local chapter. “Njayei” medicine is invoked in a number of different contexts. It is used to cure those suffering from mental or behavioral disorders and also certain physical conditions such as “craw-craw”, a skin-disorder.“Njayei” is also associated with the fertility of the fields, inasmuch as “njayebla” are involved in pouring the libation for a good harvest.

Publications

AHDRC: 0142004