Mende - Sande - Sowei - Ndoli Silver mounted Medicine Horn ( Sierra leone )
20th century. 8''
20th century. 8''
Large amulets such as this are worn around the necks of the young women. It depicted as large silver mounted
horns.
The amulet is prepared by traditional Mende Halemosia, or herbalists, versed in the uses of medicine
substances. Theses medicines are placed in horns of different sizes and, along with the Lasimoisia, are worn by
makers and other performers. The horn is used either to protect the performer against bad spells others
dancers try to put on her in the competitive atmosphere of the performance, or increase the attractive power
and popularity of the masker.
The type of horns most often used are those of the bush cow, the sheep, the zebra antelope, and the small
horns of the grey duiker.
horns.
The amulet is prepared by traditional Mende Halemosia, or herbalists, versed in the uses of medicine
substances. Theses medicines are placed in horns of different sizes and, along with the Lasimoisia, are worn by
makers and other performers. The horn is used either to protect the performer against bad spells others
dancers try to put on her in the competitive atmosphere of the performance, or increase the attractive power
and popularity of the masker.
The type of horns most often used are those of the bush cow, the sheep, the zebra antelope, and the small
horns of the grey duiker.