Minsereh Figure

This is thought to be a minsereh, or min, figure, though the term has broadly been used to refer to any carved female wooden figures. Min figures are traditionally used as part of the Yasi (Bullom) or Njayei (Mende) society for curing sickness; this example is labelled a Yassi figure. They contain spiritual power which is given to the figure by members of the society rather than the carver. This example has scarification marks on her stomach and wears a yellow and blue beaded necklace, as well as a green, blue, and white, set of waist beads.

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Further Information

  • Type: Figures, sculpture
  • Object: Minsereh Figure
  • Materials: Wood, Glass
  • Culture Group: Other
  • Dimensions: 400mm x 100mm x 90H x [W][C]
  • Production Date: Pre 1952
  • Associated Places: Port Loko
  • Associated People: O. N. Bakewell
  • Museum: British Museum
  • Accession Number: BM:Af.1952.17.1

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