Sande Society Mask

19th-20th century; Sierra Leone, Mende; Wood; height 41.3 cm (16 1/4 in.); Founders Society Purchase, New Endowment Fund; 1990.268

All Mende women are members of the Sande society which instructs girls in their responsibilities protects the rights of women in the community. The features of this mask convey Mende ideals of female morality and physical beauty. The downcast eyes indicate a spiritual nature and the high forehead indicates good fortune; the elaborate hairstyle reveals close ties within the community of women. This mask would have been worn with a costume of black raffia that completely hides the identity of the individual

Although most African female masks are used by men masquerading as women, the Sande Society Mask is a notable exception since it is used by a women's society to which no men are admitted.

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