The only masks worn by women in Africa by an initiation society called the ‘Sande’.
The masks appear during the initiation cycle: periods of education & ceremony for young girls celebrating their transformation into adulthood before marriage.
The Mende people believe that their ancestral spirits reside in bodies of water. The neck rings are interpreted as the ripples of water that radiate from the spirit when it appears from the water.
An individually designed & elaborate coiffure is the most prominent feature of the mask. The mask embodies the influence that Sande has in every aspect of a Mende woman’s life.
The mask brings into physical form the Sande spirit, while simultaneously reflecting ideals of social, ethical, & spiritual values instilled by this powerful society.
Height including stand: 23 1/2" Height: 16"
Width: 8"
Depth: 9"
Includes a copy of the book "Art of the Mende"
