Figure Item Number: K2.216 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Kambei figure. Standing female, nude, with elaborate coiffure. Closed oval eyes, nose, small mouth, ears, and four vertically grooved scarification marks on each cheek. More scarification marks on the upper chest, upper arms, and stomach. Figure is carved with a large neck ring. Her arms are resting at her sides with the elbows bent so that the hands are joined under her belly. The legs attach to a circular base.
History Of Use
Kambei, or min figure. Spirit figures stood in a bowl outside enclosures, guarding the powerful medicines associated with the Njaye and Sande societies. They may have also been used in divination.
Item History
- Made in Sierra Leone
- Owned by Berkeley Galleries Ltd. before March 1960
- Received from Berkeley Galleries Ltd. (Seller) and Leon & Thea Koerner Foundation (Funding source) during March 1960
What
Who
- Culture
- Mende
- Previous Owner
- Berkeley Galleries Ltd.
- Received from
- Berkeley Galleries Ltd. (Seller) and Leon & Thea Koerner Foundation (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Sierra Leone
When
- Ownership Date
- before March 1960
- Acquisition Date
- during March 1960
Other
- Item Classes
- carvings & sculpture
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 0023/0028