Wooden Figure

This unusual wooden figure is described in the Sierra Leone National Museum records as a Ju-ju figure , belonging to a Gissi secret society. Gissi , used here, is likely to be an alternative spelling for Kisi, or Kissi. The records continue: the name of the Secret Society is Sere in Koranko and Umboko in Temne. Both Gisi and Koranko Society. If a man peeps at the women when they dance (starting from 12 a.m.) at dead of night, his male organs will swell up from which he will ultimately die . The figure depicts a crouching female figure, with its hands raised to its ears. It has an aluminium alloy bangle on its left arm, and an unusual moustache on its upper lip.

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Further Information

  • Type: Figures, sculpture
  • Object: Wooden Figure
  • Materials: Feather, fur, hair, horn, Metal, Wood
  • Culture Group: Kisi, Kuranko, Temne
  • Dimensions: Unknown
  • Production Date: Pre 1970
  • Associated Places: Freetown (Place purchased)
  • Associated People: Mr. Abbas Mustapha (Trader)
  • Museum: Sierra Leone National Museum
  • Accession Number: SLNM.1970.15.04

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