Kissi Area Medicine Figure

Liberia
Sierra Leone
Shape of a rectangular bowl with human head, breasts, metal decorations
H: 24”
Early 20th Century

Carved rectangular bowl from hard wood, styled with a human head, detailed coiffure, tall neck with fat rings, breasts. Decorated with silver metal accents. Rich patina of repeated use. Styled in an abstract form similar to some Sande society medicine figures, this sacred bowl was likely used to carry medicines to cure an illness believed to result from some “transgression against the Sande” or other secret society. Similar figures are used to render “spiritual aid in a person’s recovery while herbs are used to give physical aid.” (Hommell).

Provenance:
Ex Eric Robertson Gallery
Collected in the field mid 1960’s

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