National Museum of African Art
Figure
Kissi artist · 15th-16th century
Farmers among the Kissi people of Guinea sometimes find stone statues in their fields. Most are cylindrical in overall outline and human in subject. They are not made by the Kissi and are described by them as "pomdo," the dead or images of the dead. The identity of the specific ancestor is revealed in a dream and the figure receives sacrifices, offerings and is placed with others on an altar. Some figures may be used in divination, oath taking or protection of initiates.
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