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Nomoli - Carved Stone Figurine, Kissi People, Sierra Leone, 19th Century

About the Item

A Nomoli is a carved stone figurine native to Sierra Leone and Liberia. They are usually made of soapstone, limestone, or granite. The carving depicts a man holding his belly with a disproportionally large head with a large nose, eyes, and lips spanning the whole face and a huge belly. Grayish, brown patina with traces of abrasion. The Kissi and Mende ethnic groups were spread throughout Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. The Kissi believed that ancestral spirits act as mediators between them and the creator god. Such stone statues were used during fertility rites to grant a good rich harvest (round belly) or give them good health. The piece has evidently been extensively handled, and has acquired a considerable patina. The numbers are the inventory numbers from Penn State University and Lehigh University. Exhibited: The Pennsylvania State University - Museum of Art permanent collection; The Lehigh University - Art Galleries permanent collection. Provenance: The collection of Dr and Mrs John E. Swanson. Dr John Swanson and his wife Marian lived from 1966 - 1981 in Lagos, Nigeria where Dr Swanson was the Advisor to the National Universities Commission and later on the Chief Planning Officer of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. During their time in Africa, the Swansons started to collect African art. In 1973 a part of their collection, circa 120 pieces went on loan to The Pennsylvania State University Museum of Art, where they remained until 1978. In 1981 Dr Swanson passed away and his wife Marian never returned to Africa. In 1982 Mrs Swanson lent 130 pieces to the Lehigh University Art Gallery where they remained until 1987. A few pieces were also lent to Lafayette College - Williams Art Center for an exhibition titled "Plainly Geometric - Selections of Art from West Africa". In 2018 Mrs Swanson passed away.

Dimensions:

Height: 6.5 in (16.5 cm)Width: 3.35 in (8.5 cm)Depth: 3.15 in (8 cm)

Style:

Tribal (Of the Period)

Materials and Techniques:

Soapstone,Stone,Hand-Carved

Place of Origin:

Sierra Leone

Period:

19th Century

Date of Manufacture:

unknown

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor fading. The statue is in its original condition, please refer to the detailed photos for scratches, marks, abrasions, etc The piece has evidently been extensively handled, and has acquired a considerable patina.

Seller Location:

Aramits, FR

Reference Number:

1stDibs: LU6432238770672

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