Figure Item Number: 2853/1 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Standing figure. The head is large and oblong to front and back, with large ears carved on either side, protruding eyes, a wide nose, and a hint of a mouth. Below a short neck is a round and protruding torso at the chest and buttocks, leading to combined legs that are bent at the knees. The arms of the figure are slightly bent and meet the lower body at the thighs, where the hands are smoothed into the legs. The figure stands on a circular base.
History Of Use
Nomoli figures are placed near homes and in crop fields as a form of protection, in the belief that the nomoli will bring good health and good harvests.
Narrative
Marcel Ollivier was the French Consul General posted to Freetown, Sierra Leone, c. 1960s-1970, during which time he purchased this collection of objects (2853/1-9). He later finished his diplomatic service in Vancouver as French Consul General from 1982-1986, after which he retired to England. The objects were donated to MOA at the specific request of Ollivier, via his daughter-in-law.
Item History
- Made in Sierra Leone
- Collected between 1960 and 1970
- Owned by Marcel Ollivier
- Owned by Janna Kirkwood-Ollivier before December 9, 2010
- Received from Janna Kirkwood-Ollivier (Donor) on December 9, 2010
What
Who
- Culture
- Mende
- Previous Owner
- Marcel Ollivier and Janna Kirkwood-Ollivier
- Received from
- Janna Kirkwood-Ollivier (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Sierra Leone
When
- Collection Date
- between 1960 and 1970
- Ownership Date
- before December 9, 2010
- Acquisition Date
- on December 9, 2010
Other
- Item Classes
- carvings & sculpture
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 2853/0001