Created around 1960, the carved female figure sits in a three-pronged pot. The figure is roughly carved. The doll has five rings around the neck. The female figure carving has Sewa-Mende markings on each cheek. The mask bears the ideals of Mende beauty, blackened surface, small mouth, nose and eyes, large forehead, neck rings, and elaborate hairstyle. The figure has a fine patina, has been treated with palm oil, shows sign of use and is in excellent condition.
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.
No
Mende
Sierra Leone
Stained Wood
Ritual Object
2022.01.001
May 2022
Reginald and Celeste Hodges
May 2022
The carving was collected in situ by Reginald Hodges in the 1970s
