Nomoli Stone Figure

Mende people, Sierra Leone

11 inches, soap stone

Carved out of soap stone (steatite), Nomoli figures were made in the 13th century. Not only are they old, they are just about the only examples of stone carving to be found in West Africa. A frightening looking adult figure with a child is common subject matter for these mysterious objects. This one was purchased from Henry Taylor, a Mende who immigrated to the USA in the 1980’s. His grandfather, a farmer in Southern Sierra Leone, kept it in a shed for good luck with the weather and insects. He believe this object from the past had spiritual powers. Henry said the chips and broken neck were probably caused by his grandfather beating the stone statue after a crop failure. Note the red-colored glue used for repair.  Very heavy.

$425