Created early 20th Century, the carved cylindrical helmet mask has an elaborate coiffure with duiker horns incorporated into the plaits. Pieces of the original native twine and raffia remains around the base of the mask. The mask has only two rings at back of neck, which is contrary to customary Mende standards. The mask has blackened surface, small mouth, nose and eyes, large forehead, and elaborate hairstyle. Raffia is attached at the base. The mask has established patina, shows sign of use and is in excellent condition.
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.
