Nomoli

A stone figure, known as nomoli in Mende, carved out of steatite, or soapstone. The age of figures like this one is relatively unknown, however there is evidence to suggest that they predate Portuguese encounters with the coastal areas of Sierra Leone in the 15th and 16th century. They are thought to have originally represented chiefs or group leaders. More recently, however, such figures have been re-discovered and used as rice gods to encourage high yields. Many believe them to be naturally formed, rather than carved. Other names that have been used for figures such as this one are pompta or mahei yafei. This example has been damaged, and depicts the upper torso of a human figure, with hands clasped under the chin. It was originally part of the Wellcome Historical Medical Museum collection and it was acquired by the British Museum in 1954. The original label notes it came from the Bambarra Chiefdom, in the Kono district.

Related Videos

Further Information

• Type: Figures, sculpture
• Object: Nomoli
• Materials: Stone
• Culture Group: Other
• Dimensions: 85mm [H] x 45mm [W] x 40mm [C]
• Production Date: Pre 1954
• Associated Places: Bambarra Chiefdom
• Associated People: Wellcome Historical Medical Museum
• Museum: British Museum
• Accession Number: BM:Af.1954.23.3678

Related Objects