nomoli (Figure)
About this object
History of use
Possibly used as a charm or oracle figure.
Narrative
The donor taught in a rural school in Tobli, eastern Liberia, from 1965 to 1967.
Physical description
Humanoid face made of packed clay and pigment. Face has a large forehead, with a triangle-shaped piece of red-pink glass embedded in its centre, that tapers into a narrow face; chin is squat. Cowrie shell eyes frame a hooked nose that has a braid of plant fibre attached to its base, imitating a moustache. Mouth is open and has a protruding bottom lip. Two deep channels are moulded onto the top of the head, creating three high ridges across the surface. Both channels have strands of plant fibre in them, secured with wooden pegs; similar strand is attached to the top of the centre ridge. Plant fibre braids are nailed along the edges of the face. All plant fibre imitates hair. Back of carving and base are undecorated.
Categories
Materials
Stone? Earth Plant fibre Pigment Metal Wood Glass Cowrie shell
Date Acquired
27 Aug 2021
How Acquired
Donated
Credit Line
Measurements
Overall: 12.4 cm x 7 cm x 7.4 cm
Object Number
3522/51