|
|
|
|
Photographs © Tim Hamill
MENDE ART, Sierra Leone
Bundu (or Sande), a women's association, is almost unique in Africa in that it controls the use of these masks, which embody Sowo, their guardian spirit. The masks usually include an elaborate hairstyle and attempt to represent serene feminine beauty, with high foreheads, small, compressed facial features, and voluminous neck-rings, depicting the desirable full-figured woman. Originally all had a dark raffia collarand were worn with a full, dark costume of raffia on cloth.
Stools are a minor art form for the Mende, who are better known for their helmet masks.
RETURN TO MASKS AND HEADS PAGE
Index by |
Index by |