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Lot 449
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Rare Mende Seated Female Healing Figure, Sierra Leone
Rare Mende Seated Female Healing Figure, Sierra Leone
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Description:

Sierra Leone. Rare Mende sculpture depicting a broad-bodied female figure seated on a high-backed chair, richly carved and powerfully present with regal expression. She is adorned with an elaborate plaited coiffure, facial scarification, and a long neck articulated with multiple folds. The figure's expansive chest supports heavy breasts, complemented by a large pendant necklace and pronounced relief scarification. The chair is finely worked with layered geometric motifs. Two legs of the chair are visibly restored, losses include the feet and one hair lobe at the back of the head. The surface bears a deep black patina indicating much use and age. Mende figures are usually carved in association with divination and healing secret associations led by women. They have a protective role and therapeutic function, and are usually intended for curing diseases resulting from the transgression of interdictions. There are very few examples of Mende figures seated on a chair. Size: 19-1/4"H. (49cm).

Provenance: Ex. Wallace Wentworth Gallery, Washington, D.C. with copy of receipt Jan 1989.

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#70449

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February 26, 2026 7:00 AM MST
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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $749 $25
$750 $1,499 $50
$1,500 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $7,499 $250
$7,500 $14,999 $500
$15,000 + $1,000