Half figure "nomoli"

soapstone, greyish brown, slightly dam., minor missing parts, wooden base;
the term "Sapi" comprises the Sherbro, Bulom, Temne and Kissi peoples in Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia, known in art history by their works in soapstone. Sculptures generally referred to by the Mende term "nomoli" are for the most part found in south-eastern Sierra Leone. There is another group of carvings, found further inland, and nowadays referred to by the Kissi term "pomdo". The Kissi believe that they are manifestations of their deceased ancestors and place them in ancestor shrines. The Mende for their part look upon them as "rice gods", and make offerings to them to increase their harvests.