Statuette en pierre "nomoli" ·  Sierra Leone, Kissi · ID: 3042175

Description

blackish brown patina, seated figure with tripartite crested coiffure and accentuated navel, incised decor, dam. (eyezone), arms and legs missing;
“nomoli” figures were used during fertility rites to ensure a rich harvest. If they failed in their function and the harvest turned out to be unsatisfactory, the figures would be whipped during a ceremony, sometimes until they were damaged or even destroyed. Hence many of these figures have breakages or are missing limbs.

Publications

AHDRC: 0142015