Minsereh Figure

This resembles a minsereh, or min, figure, though the term has broadly been used to refer to any carved female wooden figures, this example is shorted than other min 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 a typical segmented neck, and is mounted on a circular pedestal. She has been painted black, and has residues of white paint on her neck. This was originally part of the Wellcome Historical Medical Museum collection, originally acquired at Stevens Auction Rooms, London, in 1924. It was acquired by the British Museum in 1954.

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Further Information

• Type: Figures, sculpture
• Object: Minsereh Figure
• Materials: Wood
• Culture Group: Mende
• Dimensions: 490mm [H] x 85mm [C] x 80mm [W]
• Production Date: Pre 1954
• Associated Places: Unknown
• Associated People: Wellcome Historical Medical Museum
• Museum: British Museum
• Accession Number: BM:Af.1954.23.3656

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