Minsereh Figure

This resembles a minsereh, or min, figure, though the term has broadly been used to refer to any full-length carved female wooden figures. Min figures are traditionally used as part of the Yasi (Bullom) or Njayei (Mende) society for curing sickness, though they have also been associated with the Sande society. This example has elaborate geometric scarification on her stomach, a grey glass bead necklace, and a copper coloured earring in her right ear. This was originally part of the Wellcome Historical Medical Museum collection, originally acquired at Southerlys Auction Rooms, London, in 1932. It was acquired by the British Museum in 1954. The original label reads A large female fetish figure, covered with diaper ornament to suggest tabooing, the neck of bobbin type, the eyes inlaid with haliotis, and the head surmounted by a quaint Gabun head-dress.

Related Videos

Further Information

  • Type: Figures, sculpture
  • Object: Minsereh Figure
  • Materials: Wood, Glass
  • Culture Group: Mende
  • Dimensions: 690mm [H] x 145mm [W] x 135mm [C]
  • Production Date: Pre 1954
  • Associated Places: Unknown
  • Associated People: Wellcome Historical Medical Museum
  • Museum: British Museum
  • Accession Number: BM:Af.1954.23.3657

Related Objects

Nayei Society Figure

Figures, sculpture

Female Figure

Figures, sculpture

Minsereh Figure

Figures, sculpture

Female Figure

Figures, sculpture

Female Figure

Figures, sculpture