© Michael C. Carlos Museum, Emory University

ClassificationsAfrican Art

Mask of the Sande Society

Possible OriginSierra Leone, Africa

Possible OriginLiberia, Africa

CultureMende

Date1920s-1940s

MediumWood, fiber

Credit LineGift of Jordan Greene Holtam

DimensionsMaximum: 24 × 10 × 10 in. (61 × 25.4 × 25.4 cm)

Object number2022.011.001

Label TextSande masks are worn by powerful female officials of the women's Sande fellowship in Sierra Leone and Liberia. This practice is unique, as most African societies prohibit women from wearing masks. High-ranking members of Sande perform for different audiences depending on the occasion. For example, during a girl's initiation the mask performs privately in a sacred grove for newly initiated women. These rituals are part of a young woman's instruction in mature womanhood. At other times, the mask performs at public events in the village. When an elderly woman dies, the Sande mask dances in front of her house to honor her. The Sande masquerader also plays a judicial role, presiding over the hearings of men who have committed infractions against the community.
This mask, considered to be a powerful nature spirit, represents the moral ideals and spiritual purity of young Sande women. The facial features are small and delicate, with a closed mouth and downcast eyes denoting modesty and respect. The ringed necklines are a sign of health and fecundity. Adding prestige and status to her coiffure is a fantastic crown composed of animals and amulets. Snakes, fish, birds, a mouse, and drums refer to Sande ritual practice and the spirit world. At the top of the crown is a carved amulet that demonstrates the possession of magical powers. It has a protective function and resembles leather- and metal-covered Islamic amulets worn around the neck.

Exhibition HistoryMCCM Permanent Collection Installation, November 19, 2007 - December 1, 2014

ProvenanceEx coll. Jordan (1932-2021) and Beth Holtam, United States, collected in Liberia, 1958-1976.

Status

Not on view

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