Haniwai Figure

This was documented as a haniwai figure by Guy Masie-Taylor. Haniwai roughly translates as a term from something uncanny ; used with a wooden figure, the term suggests the figure is representative of a forest spirit. Later research by William Hart has, however, suggested that figures like this one are not haniwai but carvings of a snake-charmers female attendant.

Further Information

• Type: Figures, sculpture
• Object: Haniwai Figure
• Materials: Wood
• Culture Group: Mende
• Dimensions: 550mm x 237mm x 180mm
• Production Date: Pre 1956
• Associated Places: Kakua Chiefdom, Bo District (Collected)
• Associated People: Guy Massie-Taylor (Collector)
• Museum: Glasgow Museums
• Accession Number: GLAMG:A.1985.13.av

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