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An Ancient Carved Limestone Nomoli Figurative Pot from the Mende People of Sierra Leone
Robert Belcher Antiques
sold SA785744
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Robert Belcher Antiques

Robert Belcher Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jul 2017
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  • About Us
    Robert belcher antiques was established in 1984 and is a high quality retailer of interesting, rare antiques and decorative items.
Id #SA785744
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An Ancient Carved Limestone Nomoli Figurative Pot from the Mende People of Sierra Leone

17th century
Description

This fascinating and most eye catching ancient relic dates from at least the 16th – 17th century or is possibly older. It is hand carved from mellow limestone and is in the form of a hollow pot with a lift-off decorative lid which is deeply carved with a three dimensional stylised tribal figurehead. This remarkable piece clearly shows the remains of chisel marks in the limestone produced during its manufacture. The pale golden surfaces have age pitting which shows its exposure to the weather and natural elements. These fascinating pieces were produced by the Mende people and are usually found buried on Mende land, now known as Sierra leone. They were often carved from soapstone or limestone and occasionally granite. They were used as oracles.

The Nomoli figurative carvings were believed to bring protection, good health, good harvest and meals to eat. This rare and interesting piece is in good condition with superb old surfaces and fine mellow colour.

Physical Dimensions
Height
22cm (8.66")
Width
18cm (7.09")
Depth
18cm (7.09")
Declaration

Robert Belcher Antiques has dated this piece to the 17th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA785744
Dealers Notes

Robert Belcher Antiques was established in 1984 and is a high-quality retailer of interesting, rare antiques and decorative objects. After forty years of shop keeping and maintaining beautiful showrooms, which have been regularly open six days a week, Robert and Wendy have now taken a slightly different approach to their business. Having sold their retail premises, the antique business is now fully online. The picture framing service has ceased to operate because of moving online.

You can contact Robert and Wendy by email or telephone to discuss items from their extensive catalogue of attractive pieces and make purchases. Customers can rest assured that the long-established dealership is continuing to run in an exceedingly professional way, selling genuine and high-quality items which are guaranteed to please the most discerning collector, decorator or homeowner.

All items will be personally hand packaged to a high standard. Small items are extensively wrapped using the best materials and are often double boxed. Items are then shipped with DHL or Royal Mail fully insured and often with next day delivery. Larger items would be personally delivered or sent with a specialist antique delivery firm, or for outside the U.K, a professional shipping company.

Please enjoy viewing their collection of rare and interesting pieces and have the assurance that Robert and Wendy will do their utmost to make sure your experience is exceptional, as has been recognised by many customers who have bought with confidence regularly over the years.

Contact details

Email: robertbelcherantiques@gmail.com

Telephone: 01905 622468

Mobile 07929 011224

07720 607007

Website: https://www.robertbelcherantiques.co.uk

Instagram: robertbelcherantiques

Description
This fascinating and most eye catching ancient relic dates from at least the 16th – 17th century or is possibly older.
It is hand carved from mellow limestone and is in the form of a hollow pot with a lift-off decorative lid which is deeply carved with a three dimensional stylised tribal figurehead.
Robert Belcher Antiques

This remarkable piece clearly shows the remains of chisel marks in the limestone produced during its manufacture. The pale golden surfaces have age pitting which shows its exposure to the weather and natural elements. These fascinating pieces were produced by the Mende people and are usually found buried on Mende land, now known as Sierra leone. They were often carved from soapstone or limestone and occasionally granite. They were used as oracles.

fig 1. An ancient carved limestone Nomoli figurative pot from the Mende people of Sierra Leone
fig 1. An Ancient Carved Limestone Nomoli Figurative Pot from the Mende People of Sierra Leone

The Nomoli figurative carvings were believed to bring protection, good health, good harvest and meals to eat. This rare and interesting piece is in good condition with superb old surfaces and fine mellow colour.

Height
22cm (8.66")
Width
18cm (7.09")
Depth
18cm (7.09")
Date of Manufacture

Robert Belcher Antiques has dated this piece to the 17th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA785744
Robert Belcher Antiques
Robert Belcher Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Jul 2017

Robert belcher antiques was established in 1984 and is a high quality retailer of interesting, rare antiques and decorative items.

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Robert Belcher Antiques Profile Page

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An ancient carved limestone Nomoli figurative pot from the Mende people of Sierra Leone
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Archive I An ancient carved limestone Nomoli figurative pot from the Mende people of Sierra Leone

An Ancient Carved Limestone Nomoli Figurative Pot from the Mende People of Sierra Leone

Archive II An ancient carved limestone Nomoli figurative pot from the Mende people of Sierra Leone View II
Archive III An ancient carved limestone Nomoli figurative pot from the Mende people of Sierra Leone View III
Archive IV An ancient carved limestone Nomoli figurative pot from the Mende people of Sierra Leone View IV
Archive V An ancient carved limestone Nomoli figurative pot from the Mende people of Sierra Leone View V
Archive VI An ancient carved limestone Nomoli figurative pot from the Mende people of Sierra Leone View VI
Archive VII An ancient carved limestone Nomoli figurative pot from the Mende people of Sierra Leone View VII
Archive VIII An ancient carved limestone Nomoli figurative pot from the Mende people of Sierra Leone View VIII
Archive IX An ancient carved limestone Nomoli figurative pot from the Mende people of Sierra Leone View IX
Archive X An ancient carved limestone Nomoli figurative pot from the Mende people of Sierra Leone View X
Archive XI An ancient carved limestone Nomoli figurative pot from the Mende people of Sierra Leone View XI
Archive XII An ancient carved limestone Nomoli figurative pot from the Mende people of Sierra Leone View XII
Archive XIII An ancient carved limestone Nomoli figurative pot from the Mende people of Sierra Leone View XIII
Archive XIV An ancient carved limestone Nomoli figurative pot from the Mende people of Sierra Leone View XIV
Archive XV An ancient carved limestone Nomoli figurative pot from the Mende people of Sierra Leone View XV
Enlarged Archival View
Location
Worcestershire
United Kingdom

By appointment only.
Verified Since Jul 2017
Items For Sale 402
Items Sold 672
Robert Belcher Antiques
Robert Belcher Antiques
Verified Since Jul 2017
View Dealer Info
Location: Worcestershire, United Kingdom, , By appointment only.
Verified
Jul 2017
For Sale
402
Sold
672
An ancient carved limestone Nomoli figurative pot from the Mende people of Sierra Leone
An ancient carved limestone Nomoli figurative pot from the Mende people of Sierra Leone
Ref: SA785744
An ancient carved limestone Nomoli figurative pot from the Mende people of Sierra Leone
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Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.
Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.
Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.
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