National Anthropological Archives

Guide to MS 2008-18 Two amulets collected in Bafodea, Sierra Leone

Summary

Collection ID:
NAA.MS2008-18
Creators:
Prussin, Labelle
Dates:
before 1979
Languages:
Arabic
.
Physical Description:
2 Leaves
colored ink
16 x 23 inches; 8.5 x 12 inches
Repository:
Container:
2008-18

Scope and Contents

Scope and Contents
The collection consists of two (2) amulets collected by Labelle Prussin in Bafodea, Sierra Leone in 1979. One amulet is a copy that Prussin had made of a "hatumere" (Fulbe) or "sebe" (Mande). It was intended to be folded and enclosed or hidden in a leather pouch. The original amulet was later collected by Simon Ottenberg and is now in the collections of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art. The other amulet is a sheet of paper inscribed in Arabic. It was previously mounted over the lintel of the entrance to the Chief's house in Bafodea.
Please note that the contents of the collection and the language and terminology used reflect the context and culture of the time of its creation. As an historical document, its contents may be at odds with contemporary views and terminology and considered offensive today. The information within this collection does not reflect the views of the Smithsonian Institution or National Anthropological Archives, but is available in its original form to facilitate research.

Digital Content


Using the Collection

Preferred Citation
MS 2008-18 Two amulets collected in Bafodea, Sierra Leone, National Anthropological Archives, Smithsonian Institution

Related Materials
The original amulet collected by Simon Ottenberg is held by the National Museum of African Art.
The Department of Anthropology object collections holds artifacts collected by Labelle Prussin.

More Information

Local Numbers

Local Numbers
NAA MS 2008-18


Keywords

Keywords table of terms and types.
Keyword Terms Keyword Types
Works of art Genre Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Amulets Genre Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Limba (African people) Cultural Context Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Sierra Leone Geographic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Africa, West Geographic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid

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