The standing female figure rests on a coiled snake and holds the snake’s neck in her hands. The unusual piece is carved from a single piece of wood. The elaborately carved figure has tribal markings on the breasts and back, plus bead earrings. Cowrie shells appear on forehead and clothing. Small string beads are attached to the ankles. The carving bears the ideals of Mende beauty, blackened surface, small mouth, nose and eyes, large forehead, neck rings, and elaborate hairstyle.
GEOGRAPHY / CULTURE GROUP: Sierra Leone, Mende. The Mende people are a population of farmers. They take tremendous pride in their cultural practices. The society is arranged in chiefdoms of different lineages. The Mende have very strong traditional societies that moderate social behavior and cultural practices. The societies also play major roles with rites of passage, divination, and healing. The Mende mystical and cultural beliefs help to bind people into communities. Notable among the Mende secret societies are the Poro, Sande and Wunde societies.
