Female figure with magical appendages
Click here to view a larger version of the imageLot: 176
94th Tribal Art AuctionFemale figure with magical appendages
Sierra Leone, Mende
Provenance | Size | Starting price / estimated price |
---|---|---|
Paolo Morigi, Magliaso-Lugano, Switzerland Walter Stanley Schwab, Murten, Switzerland ("WS 162") (1977) |
H: 17.1 inch | sold |
wood, oily patina, metal, glass beads, nut, fibres, rest., base
Sculptures of standing women are used in the context of numerous initiation societies governing the life of the Mende, usually the Sande, but also the Njayei, Humoi and Yassi.
They have a protective role and therapeutic function, and are usually intended for curing diseases resulting from the transgression of interdictions.
Paolo Morigi, 15 April 1977, Magliaso-Lugano