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 may, however, rather be associated with the Bundu society. It came from a village called Nyagua, near Moyamba, and the original owner said it was placed in the sacred Bundu bush when girls were being initiated.

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Further Information

  • Type: Figures, sculpture
  • Object: Minsereh Figure
  • Materials: Wood
  • Culture Group: Temne
  • Dimensions: Unknown
  • Production Date: Pre 1965
  • Associated Places: Nyagua, Moyamba (Place collected)
  • Associated People: A.B. Seisay, Freetown (Trader)
  • Museum: Sierra Leone National Museum
  • Accession Number: SLNM.1965.05.01

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