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, though they have also been associated with the Sande society. They contain spiritual power which is given to the figure by members of the society rather than the carver. This example has a black patina.