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 her hands placed under her breasts, a high-ridged hairstyle, and wears orange and black glass beads around her neck and waist.

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Further Information

• Type: Figures, sculpture
• Object: Minsereh Figure
• Materials: Glass, Wood
• Culture Group: Mandingo
• Dimensions: 335mm [L] x 50mm[W] x 50mm [C]
• Production Date: Pre 1890
• Associated Places: Unknown
• Associated People: Augustus Wollaston Franks
• Museum: British Museum
• Accession Number: BM:Af.4644

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