African Art and Information on the Mende Tribe

The Mende tribe has a population of about 700,000 and resides in Southern Sierra Leone. They originally migrated from the Sudan in the north, this may have happened around 200 to 1500 A.D. The tribe consists of mainly rice and cocoa farmers but they also produce cassava, yams, ginger, peanuts, and palm oil. They are organized into differnet chiefdoms.

The Mende tribe has two main educational groups which are divided by gender. The Sande female society, who during their ceremonies have the women wear the Bunu mask, which embodies idealized female beauty and represents the ancestor of this society. The Poro is male society. The reason for both of these societies is to teach the members the expectations of the community. These groups reinforce community morals and social control. Other Mende societies exist and are responsible for the protection of their members from illness, as well as curing those that do fall ill. Female figure are carved and reveared for their healing properties.

The Mende tribe believes Ngewo is the creator and ruler of the universe along with spirits and ancestors. Both are worshipped to guarantee fertility and protection in the community. The art of the tribe is usually associated with initiation and healing which may include medicine objects, twin figures, and wooden masks. The masks are carved to please the spirits which are believed to embody the dancer during a religious ceremony. The Bundu helmet mask is the only mask tradition in Africa to be only worn by women. The mende tribe also creates utilitarian objects which are decorated with carved heads and designs.

•