A carved stone idol with hands to the chin, large eyes, flat nose and hown in a kneeling position. The figure has round ears and a cavity on the top that seems to have an offering or organic material inside. The nomoli are found by the Mende, and stones such as this among many similar examples that have been found throughout southeastern Sierra Leone and neighboring Guinea. While no longer made, such figures have been found in the ground and are reused in a variety of ritual contexts by peoples in the area such as the Mende, Bullom and Kono. The original purpose of such figures is the subject of ongoing debate, although scholars believe they may represent actual person(s) who lived at the time and are considered blessing for crops and mediums to the world of the ancestors spirits. Sapi/ mende peoples, Sierra leone, West Africa. The stone measures 6 inches tall on metal base. Provenance: A Private New Jersey collection.

Good, well handled