Minsereh Figure

This may 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. They contain spiritual power which is given to the figure by members of the society rather than the carver. The Sierra Leone National Museum records, however, describe the figure as a Bundu Devil Child . The figure wears a waist best, and has a typical segmented neck.

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Further Information

• Type: Figures, sculpture
• Object: Minsereh Figure
• Materials: Wood
• Culture Group: Mende
• Dimensions: Unknown
• Production Date: Pre 1971
• Associated Places: Fakunya Chiefdom, Moyamba District (Place collected)
• Associated People: Mr. A.R. Amara, Bo. (Trader)
• Museum: Sierra Leone National Museum
• Accession Number: SLNM.1971.05.06

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