An African ‘Sande’ or ‘Bundu’ Mask

An African ‘Sande’ or ‘Bundu’ Mask
Attributed to the Sogande (or Su Gande) workshop, Kenema
Rich dark brown, ‘treacly’ overall patina
Wood
Mende Sierra Leone / Liberia
20th Century

Size: 45cm high - 17¾ ins high

Provenance:
Ex Private London collection

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.

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