Mende Women's Art Essay

The art of the Mende people of Sierra Leone is especially important. It is important because for its origin and creation for the women of Mende, by the women of Mende. That is not to say that the Mende men do not provide art. Men have similar initiations and ceremonies that the women have. The women’s art is especially important because of the rarity of tradition of commissioned work for women by women. Overall, the art of sculpture and carved wooden helmet masks are used for the initiation of young girls into womanhood.
The women of the Mende people belong to a society called the Sande. Mende men belong to the Poro society. The Sande society is made up of only women. Their main power is to heal not only women and women related issues, but they also help heal men. During the time of initiation the young girls are taught these magical healing powers. It then can be passed down from generation to generation. Sculptured figurines are important

These helmet masks depict a woman’s face with a large forehead and small facial features. The elaborate hairstyles represent women’s power, sexuality and genitalia. They are glossy and black in color. The color is mirroring the river bottom, and healthy oiled skin. The masks have fat rings around the neck. The rings represent a woman who is healthy, well fed and who is in great physical shape. This condition is the prime state for one to start childbearing, in turn is ready to raise a family. After the rolls, there are thick strands of raffia palm fiber hanging. This covers the woman’s shoulders upon wearing. The women’s entire body is to be cover during the dancing performance by the mask and costume. The masks themselves are carved to depict a spirit in which is dreamed of by women. The female spirit comes from a river. The woman will describe this dreamed spirit to the man who carves the