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 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 wears a short lappa, or skirt, has a typical segmented neck, and wears a string of yellow glass beads.

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Further Information

• Type: Figures, sculpture
• Object: Minsereh Figure
• Materials: Wood, Glass
• Culture Group: Other
• Dimensions: Unknown
• Production Date: Pre 2011
• Associated Places: Unknown
• Associated People: Unknown
• Museum: Sierra Leone National Museum
• Accession Number: SLNM.2011.001.07

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