Standing female figure "minsereh" ·  Sierra Leone, Mendé · ID: 3034490

Description

wood, black patina, shiny in some areas, the neck carved with rings, navel and bulging abdomen especially accentuated, dam., minor missing parts (fingers of the left hand), abrasion, socle;
belonging to the “yassi” society, which mediates between spirits and humans and uses carved female figures, called “minsereh”, to assist in making prophesis. All “minsereh” figures are usually painted black. In addition, all over the Mende region carved figures could serve as house ornaments. The possession of carvings of persons or animals “to dress the house” added to the prestige of a prosperous men.