The Mende masked figures are a reminder that human beings have a dual existence; they live in the concrete world of flesh and material things and the spirit world of dreams, faith, aspirations and imagination. The features of a Mende mask convey Mende ideals of female morality and physical beauty. In the Mende culture full-figured women are beautiful. When a girl becomes initiated into the Sande society, the village's master woodcarver creates a special mask just for her. A mask must be kept hidden in a secret place when no one is wearing it. These masks appear not only in initiation rituals but also at important events such as funerals, arbitrations and the installation of chiefs.
Measures 14" x 7" x 4"
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