Standing female figure "minsereh" ·  Sierra Leone, Mendé · ID: 3035296

Description

wood, partly shiny blackish brown patina, remains of pigments, carved with loincloth and necklace, pear-shaped body, originally with separate worked forearms, elaborate coiffure, rep. (breakage at the base), missing parts (forearms), cracks, slight traces of abrasion;
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.