IDNO

N.13049.GIJ

Description

A Nomoli Stone carving of an adult figure placing each hand on the head of a smaller figure (one male and one female) , possibly two children. The head of the larger figure is out of proportion with the rest of the body. The head has typical exaggerated facial features with bulging almond-shaped eyes, protruding ears ad a beak-like nose/mouth. On top of his head is a cap with a border of rope-like details. The smaller figures have similar facial properties and the female figure has breasts and a protruding navel; the male figure looks as if he is seated on the rim of the carving and has an armed wrapped around the larger figure. [Alicia Fentiman 11/10/2007]

Physical Condition: Slight yellowing of negative.

Place

W Africa; Sierra Leone

Cultural Affliation

Mende

Named Person

Photographer

Jones, Gwilliam Iwan (known as G.I.)

Collector / Expedition

Date

1932 - 1939

Collection Name

Jones Collection

Source

Jones, Gwilliam Iwan (known as G.I.)

Format

Film Negative Black & White

Primary Documentation

Other Information

This negative was kept in a film storage album labelled “Misc” by G. I. Jones, and numbered “C10/” by the cataloguer.

Nomoli figures were made in the 13th Century and are rare examples of stone sculptures in West Africa. A frightening looking adult with a child is common subject matter. They were kept in a shed for good luck with the weather and insects. The objects are believed to have spiritual powers.

Its use is restricted entirely for helping in the production of rice.

Bibliographical Reference: Brown, S. 1948 “The Nomoli of Mende Country Africa”, Journal of the International African Institute .

This catalogue record has been updated with the support of the Getty Grant Program Two. [Alicia Fentiman 11/10/2007]