Nomoli

This is 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 mahe yafei . This example depicts a crouching figure, with its hands raised towards its ears. There is some question about the authenticity of this figure. With the development of a market in African art and antiquities, fakes and reproductions have been in circulation since the 1970s and it is possible that examples without confirmed provenance have entered Sierra Leone National Museum collection.

Related Videos

Further Information

• Type: Figures, sculpture
• Object: Nomoli
• Materials: Stone
• Culture Group: Other
• Dimensions: 127mm [H]
• Production Date: Pre 1994
• Associated Places: Unknown
• Associated People: No Data
• Museum: Sierra Leone National Museum
• Accession Number: SLNM.1993.04.04

Related Objects