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, however, originates from Port Loko suggesting it may alternatively be a twin figure. This example has a typical segmented neck and lobed-hairstyle, she also wears a necklace of white beads. The Sierra Leone National Museum records note that it was purchased from Mammy Konday, a notable swearing woman (medicine) .

Related Videos

Further Information

• Type: Figures, sculpture
• Object: Minsereh Figure
• Materials: Wood
• Culture Group: Temne, Loko
• Dimensions: Unknown
• Production Date: Pre 1988
• Associated Places: Yabai, Port Loko (Place collected)
• Associated People: Mr. Amadu Bah, Port Loko District (Trader); Mammy Konday (Previous owner)
• Museum: Sierra Leone National Museum
• Accession Number: SLNM.1988.01.03

Related Objects