Figure féminine ·  Sierra Leone, Temne · ID: 3042420

Description

wood, reddish brown patina, black paint, neck carved with rings, flat facial features, fragmentary/insect caused missing parts (lower part of the body missing), slight traces of abrasion, base;
such figures were probably used by female dignitaries “an-Digba” of the “bondo” women society. They were part of their most valuable ritual belongings and were kept hidden in a personal room. Only on one occasion, i. e. the initiation of young girls into adulthood, such a figure was presented to the public.

Publications

AHDRC: 0142068