Stone Effigy
Kissi, Sierra Leone
16th-19th Century

Previous collection: William Siegmann, former curator of African arts at the Brooklyn Museum.

This is a very fine and expressive miniature Kissi stone figure. Realized in an unusual form with an extremely wide nose and mouth filled with teeth, as well as a detailed coiffure and body scarification. This object shows extensive wear from generations of use. These miniatures as well as larger examples were found by the Mende culture and held in high esteem, sometimes kept in wooden containers called 'piomdo'. Some slight losses but this does not detract at all from the overall quality.

This stone stands 3.5 inches in height.

1-8-12/ Price: $1250