| From the book: Hair in African Art and Culture Some of the numerous styles in which the upper Mende women dressed their hair. You can see the influence of the hair in the masks and figures. Photo: Allridge, late 19th century. |
| The example above is a wonderful Mende prestige figure in the collection of Gary Schultze, USA 32" tall |
| Lots of additional examples can be seen from the Arman Collection page on my site. CLICK HERE to go to the Mende masks from the Arman Collection African maternity figures page Rand African Art home page |
| Mende female figure |
| Mende female figure, Sierra Leone 14" tall wood, pigment "According to W.L. Hommel (1974, n.p.), sculptures of standing women are used in the context of numerous initiation societies governing the life of the Mende, usually the Sande, but also the Njayei, Humoi and Yassi. They have a protective role and therapeutic function, and are usually intended for curing diseases resulting from the transgression of interdictions. They are placed on a small altar, in a place sheltered from view." Source - Sotheby's Paris "Female figures have a number of different uses in Mende culture. Some were used in divination rites to help cure both physical and mental disorders, while others were associated with initiation societies. Without specific documentation it is not possible to attribute these figures to use in specific contexts. In general, such sculptures were used to stand beside and protect the medicines in a society house, where they remain unseen by the public except when they are brought out on special occasions, such as society initiations." Source - William C. Siegmann |
