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Description:
The Mende tribe of Sierra Leone are 2 million strong with a complex social structure comprised of well delineated kin groups, political hierarchies and societies for diverse purposes such as training boys and girls in appropriate behavior, protection against enemies or curing illnesses. The Mende are farmers growing rice, yams, peanuts, and cocoa as well as collecting palm oil. Most bodily ills are believed to result from transgressions against the rules of conduct laid down by one societies regulating behavior. The Mende are best known for smooth, black, helmet-shaped masks, named sowei, used by the Sande society, in particular, used during the initiation of girls to womanhood. The initiates learn wisdom, beauty, grace, and self-control, all of which they will need within the multigenerational, polygamous households of their future husbands. All Mende girls join the sande society at puberty. This female statue would have been used in ritual and as a sign of prestige. This full figure statue with arms down to the side and hands placed on the breasts were part of the curing ceremony, a figure of the Yassi women’s secret society called a mensereh figure. Her feet are missing due to decay from the elements as you can see in the third photo . She is mounted on an iron base.
| Status: For Sale |
Reference#: mende2 |
| Condition:
Good |
Year:
1940
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| Country:
Siera Leone |
Maker:
Unknown |
| Height:
42.25 in. (107.31 cm) |
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Weight: 8 |
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| Title:
Yassi Women's Secret Society Mensereh Figure |
Style:
Ethnic Art |
| Materials:
Wood, Iron Base |
Type:
African Art Tribal Art |
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