An African ‘Sande’ or ‘Bundu’ Mask

Period: 20th century

Medium: Wood, Rich dark brown, ‘treacly’ overall patina Wood

Dimension: 45 x 17 cm (17³/₄ x 6³/₄ inches)

Provenance:
Ex Private London collection

Literature:
S. A. Boone, 1986, ‘Radiance from the Waters’: ‘Ideals of Feminine Beauty in Mende Art’, New Haven and London, Yale University Press
R. B. Phillips, 1995, Representing Woman: ‘Sande Masquerades of the Mende of Sierra Leone’, Los Angeles, UCLA Fowler Museum of Cultural History

Literature:
The women’s Sande, or Bundu, society, which can be found in Liberia and Sierra Leone, traditionally initiated young girls into womanhood by preparing them for marriage, family life, and participation in the ‘female sphere’ of community life. Upon the time when they were deemed ready, the society leader would introduce the ‘adult’ women to the wider community. The ‘water spirit’ and ‘guardian deity’ of the Sande society was channelled through the leader, wearing a costume, including a wooden helmet mask, embodying the aforementioned ‘sowei’. Although in most societies, only men would carve and wear masks, Sande masks are an exception, exclusively being worn by women; however, the male members still carved the masks.
     It is surmounted by an elaborate hairstyle, typically worn by the women during the mid 20th century. A high forehead crowns the ‘downcast’ eyes, and the partly closed mouth signifies a silence and ‘inner spiritual’ concentration. The ‘mask’ is a powerful conduit to represent the female ‘perfection’ and personifies women’s power.