Man stroking his beard — Kissi, Sierra Leone — African tribal art — Ref. 118

Description

This stone statuette, typical of the Kissi people of Sierra Leone, presents a man in a seated posture, holding his beard in a meditative gesture. It is finely carved in a stone with brown tones, a characteristic often associated with Kissi works. The face is expressive, with exaggerated features: prominent almond-shaped eyes, a broad flat nose and a closed mouth that seems to freeze the man in an attitude of reflection. The carefully carved beard frames the lower part of the face and reinforces the impression of wisdom. A hole at the top of the head, common in some ritual sculptures, suggests that a sacred or symbolic element may have been inserted there, adding a spiritual dimension to the piece. This detail also indicates that the statuette was not merely decorative but possessed a ritual function.
In Kissi culture, stone statuettes, called “Pomtan” or “Nomoli” depending on the region and use, carry deep symbolism linked to ancestors and spirits. The man holding his beard in a meditative gesture is a representation of wisdom and connection with the spiritual world. The beard, a symbol of maturity and respect, often indicates a person of great social or spiritual importance. The prominent eyes evoke spiritual vigilance, the ability to see beyond the visible world and perceive energies and supernatural presences. This type of sculpture is perceived as an intermediary between the living and the ancestors, an object used to channel protective or benevolent energies.
Kissi sculptures such as this one are traditionally used in ritual and spiritual contexts. They are often placed in shrines or sacred spaces dedicated to the ancestors. The hole at the top of this statuette’s head suggests that sacred objects or offerings could have been inserted there to reinforce its power. These statuettes are invoked to bring protection, prosperity or to bless harvests. In some communities, they also play a role in healing rituals or ceremonies intended to balance the spiritual forces of an individual or family. The presence of these objects in rituals would allow ancestral spirits to be honoured and their benevolence to be requested, thereby ensuring the fertility of the land and the prosperity of descendants.

Technical details

Type of piece

Statuette

Category

Statues

Ethnic group

Kissi

Country

Sierra Leone

Materials

stone

Dimensions

H 15 × W 7,5 × D 8 cm

Weight

0,865 kg

Estimated dating

second half 20th c.

Laboratory test

Not tested

Reference

118