| For additional detail, click on any photo below to see the higher resolution version of the image. |
Mende female figure, Sierra Leone
12" tall
wood, pigment
early to mid 20th century
ex private collection, US
$1800
This object is carved with nice detail and a naturalism unusual in Mende figures. Note the graceful forward movement of the forearms
serving as a counter balance to the weight of the back of the figure.
"Female figures have a number of different uses in Mende culture. Some were used in divination rites to help cure both physical and
mental disorders, while others were associated with initiation societies. Without specific documentation it is not possible to attribute
these figures to use in specific contexts. In general, such sculptures were used to stand beside and protect the medicines in a
society house, where they remain unseen by the public except when they are brought out on special occasions, such as society
initiations." - William C. Siegmann
12" tall
wood, pigment
early to mid 20th century
ex private collection, US
$1800
This object is carved with nice detail and a naturalism unusual in Mende figures. Note the graceful forward movement of the forearms
serving as a counter balance to the weight of the back of the figure.
"Female figures have a number of different uses in Mende culture. Some were used in divination rites to help cure both physical and
mental disorders, while others were associated with initiation societies. Without specific documentation it is not possible to attribute
these figures to use in specific contexts. In general, such sculptures were used to stand beside and protect the medicines in a
society house, where they remain unseen by the public except when they are brought out on special occasions, such as society
initiations." - William C. Siegmann
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| For additional detail, click on any photo below to see the higher resolution version of the image. |
