This headdress dates to the early 20th century. The mask is shaped like a cone and is worn on the top of the performers head. An attached cloth with eyeholes covers the masquerader’s face. Feathers extend from the top of the mask. The mask is adorned with Muslim medicine pouches and Islamic quotes on bamboo wood strips. A small black pouch attached to the inside of the mask is said to be the source of the Falui’s power. The body of the performer is always covered with traditional country cloth, Raffia extends out from under the country cloth and covers the feet. Falui spirits perform showing only one arm. Children call the Falui the one-armed warrior, and flee when he appears.
This headdress dates to the early 20th century. The mask is shaped like a cone and is worn on the top of the performers head. An attached cloth with eyeholes covers the masquerader’s face. Feathers extend from the top of the mask. The mask is adorned with Muslim medicine pouches and Islamic quotes on bamboo wood strips. A small black pouch attached to the inside of the mask is said to be the source of the Falui’s power. The body of the performer is always covered with traditional country cloth, Raffia extends out from under the country cloth and covers the feet. Falui spirits perform showing only one arm. Children call the Falui the one-armed warrior, and flee when he appears.
Medium - Faded red-cloth, country cloth, feathers, and cowrie shells mounted on rattan frame. Muslim amulets (bamboo and pouches) attached to outside of mask. Another small pouch containing secret medicine is attached inside the raffia frame. The secret pouch has five attached cowrie shells.
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.
The MendeThe Mende Peoples of Sierra Leone NA
No
Mende
Sierra Leone
Faded red-cloth, country cloth, feathers, and cowrie shells mounted on rat
