MENDE HELMET MASK FOR SANDE ASSOCIATION. (SIERRA LEONE, WESTERN AFRICA)...

Description

MENDE HELMET MASK FOR SANDE ASSOCIATION
(SIERRA LEONE, WESTERN AFRICA)

Among the Mende and some neighboring peoples of Sierra Leone and Liberia, there is the rare occurrence of women performing in masks. These distinct helmet masks come out during initiation activities celebrating young women transformed into adult status within the Sande female association. Each mask embodies a personal protective spirit. The maskers are completely covered by a garment of blackened fibers.

The wooden masks are blackened, have distinct neck rings and refined coiffures. This is an old, well used mask in good condition. There are minor abrasions overall, and minor wood loss to the rim of the proper left eye.

Provenance:
Collected in the 1970s by Charles D. Miller III of St. James, NY

Height: 13 ¾ inches


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