Kneeling man — Kissi, Sierra Leone — African tribal art — Ref. X19

Description

This statuette, from the Kissi people of Sierra Leone, embodies the depth of this people’s spiritual beliefs concerning the link with the world of the ancestors. Stone statuettes, often called “pomdo” or “nomoli”, are perceived as powerful intermediaries between the living and the spirits of the ancestors. The Kissi attribute to these sacred objects a function of protection and mediation, integrating them into rites intended to attract prosperity, healing, or the protection of the family and crops. These statuettes are frequently discovered in agricultural contexts, reinforcing the belief that they are gifts from the ancestors, appearing to guide and watch over their descendants.
The statuette represents a kneeling man, a posture often associated with humility, prayer or submission to spirits and ancestors. The face is expressive, with angular and deep features, giving the figure an appearance that is both serious and benevolent. The eyes, deeply hollowed, seem to stare toward the horizon, symbolising wisdom or penetrating spiritual vision. The nose is accentuated, and the closed mouth suggests ritual silence or meditation.
The figure’s arms are wrapped around the legs, in a gesture of protection or contemplation, a strong symbol of respect for the spirits. The natural patina of the stone and traces of white pigment add to the authenticity and sacred character of the piece, suggesting years of handling in a ritual context or preservation in a shrine.
This statuette is rich in symbolism. The Kissi regard pomdo as protectors, invoking them to watch over the living and crops, but also to ward off harmful spirits. The kneeling position symbolises devotion and humility before spiritual forces. The arrangement of the arms and hands around the legs may be interpreted as a gesture of self-protection and inner focus, a way of channelling sacred energies. The incisions on the back may also allude to clan or lineage marks, reinforcing the idea that these statuettes are guardians of lineages and collective memory.

Technical details

Type of piece

Statuette

Category

Statues

Ethnic group

Kissi

Country

Sierra Leone

Materials

stone

Dimensions

H 13,5 × W 6 × D 4 cm

Weight

0,253 kg

Estimated dating

second half 20th c.

Laboratory test

Not tested

Reference

X19