Nopiori Figure Item Number: 2815/13 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Stone carving of two separate figures that join into a common being below the chest. The left figure is slightly larger, with an elongated head and relatively well defined features carved into the face. Two arms start at the rear of the figure below the neck and wrap around both sides to the front. The smaller figure to the right also has a slightly elongated head. Much of the face has been obliterated, with the mouth and right eye remaining, as well as two ears that are carved into the sides of the head. This figure also has arms beginning at the back below the head and wrapping around to the front on both sides. The figures sit on a thick oval base carved out of the same piece of stone.
Cultural Context
Within the Mende tribe, Nopiori figures represent mothers giving birth.
Item History
- Made in Sierra Leone
- Owned by David Torontow and Dorothy Torontow before September 14, 2010
- Received from David Torontow (Donor) and Dorothy Torontow (Donor) on September 14, 2010
What
Who
- Culture
- Mende
- Previous Owner
- David Torontow and Dorothy Torontow
- Received from
- David Torontow (Donor) and Dorothy Torontow (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Sierra Leone
When
- Ownership Date
- before September 14, 2010
- Acquisition Date
- on September 14, 2010
Other
- Item Classes
- carvings & sculpture
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 2815/0013