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 a typical elongated, segmented, neck, and ridged hairstyle. She has scarification marks running down her back, on her breasts, and hips.

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Further Information

• Type: Figures, sculpture
• Object: Minsereh Figure
• Materials: Wood
• Culture Group: Bullom, Mende
• Dimensions: 485mm [H] x 95mm [W] x 90mm [C]
• Production Date: Pre 1929
• Associated Places: Mendeland
• Associated People: W.Page Rowe
• Museum: British Museum
• Accession Number: BM:Af.1929.302.1

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