Female Mende
Mende · Guinea-Bissau
Reference: EFM-12
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- Material
- Wood and pigments
The Mende They extend through Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone and Liberia, and are known mainly for their female society "Sandé", which are unique women in Africa wearing…
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Full original description
The Mende They extend through Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone and Liberia, and are known mainly for their female society "Sandé", which are unique women in Africa wearing masks, the famous "Sowei" helmet masks characterized by their hairstyles and neck folds. This small statue represents a woman from Sandé society. This curious figure presents, like the masks, folds of fat in the neck and breasts under the belly. In the upper part of the chest it carries a special case or bag intended to keep protective amulets, grey-grey. There are several female representations that were venerated for their healing powers. These figures occupy the first place in processions and are displayed in the village square at the return of the girls' initiation period to where Sowei masks also attend and thus exalt the qualities of the woman.
Further technical information
- Attributed period
- Mid-century XX or earlier.
Details transcribed from the original catalogue; they are not a recent physical inspection.
Country on the map
Guinea-Bissau. The country associated with the catalog is shown, not the current location of the piece.
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Attributions, dates and accounts come from the preserved catalogue. They do not constitute certification of authenticity or provenance. An object’s presence on this website does not mean it is available for sale.
