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Female Mask – Mende

Unknown1840/1910

Kenya National Archives

Kenya National Archives
Nairobi, Kenya

In the Sierra Leone, The powerful female Bundu or Sande societies direct young girls ‘initiations, in one of the few ceremonies in Africa where women wear masks, these helmet masks with very elaborate hairstyles are intended to evoke beautiful & wealthy women, sometimes with multiple folds of flesh around the neck as a sign of prosperity. During the ceremony, young girls learn manners, which will direct their lives

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  • Title: Female Mask – Mende
  • Creator: Unknown
  • Creator Lifespan: 1840
  • Date: 1840/1910
  • Location: Sierra Leone
  • Type: Wooden mask
  • Rights: Kenya National Archives
Kenya National Archives

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