Very beautiful African statue in wood and kaolin, which comes from the Mende ethnic group of Sierra Leone

Height: 50 cm

The Mende people

The Mende settled in Sierra Leone during the 16th century; they are also present today in Liberia. Organized into several kingdoms, they number nearly two million and live mainly from the production of rice and cocoa.

They believe in a creator God, Ngewo, who is never represented. Their social and religious organization is ensured by the male society Poro (which is also found among other neighboring tribes) and by the female society Sande (or bundu) whose main role is to prepare young girls for the tasks they will have to accomplish when they become women, wives and mothers.

Mende statues

The other Mende societies have as their main role to protect their members from diseases. Rare female representations, sculpted for these societies, were revered for their healing properties and served as emblems during processions in which they appeared at the head.

They always have a broad chest that extends the shoulders, hands placed on the belly and an exaggerated hairstyle.