Head

The figures nomolisia (singular nomoli) and pomda or pomta (singular pomdo) are discovered during agricultural work in Sierra Leone and neighbouring Guinea. In Sierra Leone, they are called nomolisia, while in Guinea, they are called pomda. Their appearance is interpreted as a good sign. The Kissi treat the excavated figurines as returning ancestors, while the contemporary inhabitants of Sierra Leone consider them as spirits taking care of the crops. Despite some similarities, the figurines differ somewhat in style. Pomda sculptures usually depict a human figure sitting with short, contracted legs, a large head and an expressive face with thick features, bulging eyes, a broad and flat nose. In contrast, nomolisia have large round heads, bulging eyes, full noses with well-defined nostrils, and often open mouths with prominent dentition. Both nomolisia and pomda are rare in museum collections. The purpose of their creation is unclear. Dating them and identifying the ethnic group whose representatives made them is also problematic (both types of figurines are not products of their current users). Originally, they were probably representations of figures endowed with cult, glory or dignity. Nowadays, they are regarded as good luck figurines and guardians of the home.

Katarzyna Findlik-Gawron