Mende
Figure
Mende, Early 20th century
Scroll
Mende
Figure
Mende, Early 20th century
Physical Qualities
Wood, 19 × 4 3/4 × 3 1/4 in. (48.2 × 12 × 8.3 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Stephen B. Hameroff and their Son, Steven S. Epstein, Baltimore, in Honor of Sona K. Johnston, Curator of Painting & Sculpture
Object Number
1985.278
Female figures are frequently carved by the Mende to represent the power of ideal female beauty in the form of a young woman who has just been initiated into adulthood (identified by the small beaded waist garment, and fine braiding and scarification).Such figurines were used in secret ritual, especially for healing.
