Minsereh Figure

This may be a very damaged 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 is missing both arms, and her left foot, but has the typical segmented neck and ridged hairstyle.

Further Information

• Type: Figures, sculpture, Religious/ritual equipment, charms
• Object: Minsereh Figure
• Materials: Wood
• Culture Group: Mende
• Dimensions: 610mm x 140mm
• Production Date: Unknown
• Associated Places: Sierra Leone (Created and collected)
• Associated People: Welcome Historical Medical Museum
• Museum: World Museum Liverpool Sierra Leone Collection
• Accession Number: LIVCM.49.41.23

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