{"product_id":"mende-mask-sierra-leone-sku-m830","title":"Mende Mask, Sierra Leone | SKU: M830","description":"\u003ctable style=\"width: 99.8182%; height: 23.6719px;\" width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 23.6719px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 49.9079%; text-align: center; height: 23.6719px;\"\u003e\n\u003ch6\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/hemingwaygallery.nyc\/collections\/decorative-masks\" title=\"View All African Masks\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eAll Masks\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 49.9079%; text-align: center; height: 23.6719px;\"\u003e\n\u003ch6 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/hemingwaygallery.nyc\/collections\/decorative-african-art\" title=\"View All Decorative Art\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAll Decorative Art\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch6 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMende Mask from Sierra Leone Description of Significance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"478\" data-start=\"0\"\u003eMende masks are among the most recognizable artistic traditions of Sierra Leone and Liberia. Often called \u003cstrong data-end=\"115\" data-start=\"106\"\u003eSowei\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong data-end=\"128\" data-start=\"119\"\u003eBundu\u003c\/strong\u003e masks, they are traditionally associated with the \u003cstrong data-end=\"196\" data-start=\"179\"\u003eSande society\u003c\/strong\u003e, a women’s initiation society that guided girls into adulthood and taught ideals of grace, strength, discipline, and social responsibility. Unlike many masking traditions in West Africa, these helmet masks were historically performed by women. \u003cspan data-state=\"closed\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"926\" data-start=\"480\"\u003eCarved from wood and worn over the head, Mende masks are known for their smooth black surfaces, refined features, elaborate hairstyles, and downcast eyes. These elements are not simply decorative; they reflect Mende ideals of feminine beauty, wisdom, composure, and spiritual power. The mask represents the presence of a guardian spirit and remains one of the most important symbols of Mende ceremonial life. \u003cspan data-state=\"closed\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1165\" data-start=\"928\"\u003eToday, Mende-inspired masks are appreciated both for their cultural history and for their striking sculptural form. Their bold silhouettes, polished surfaces, and quiet elegance make them powerful works of art for contemporary interiors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch6 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCountry of Origin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHand carved in Sierra Leone\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch6 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions (inches)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDepth: 9\" \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWidth: 8\" \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHeight: 16\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch6 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSustainable Materials\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNatural paint and stain\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIndigenous wood\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch6 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDisplay\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFree-standing as shown in the photos.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch6 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSubsidized U.S. FedEx Ground shipping: $30\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSmaller pieces are shipped via FedEx Ground in a secure box, with careful packaging to ensure safe delivery. To make fine art shipping more affordable, we subsidize part of the cost.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEach shipment includes a declared value, requiring a signature upon delivery for added security.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Hemingway African Gallery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46140078096441,"sku":"M830","price":800.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0076\/1190\/8196\/files\/Traditional_Mende_helmet_mask_used_as_sculptural_African_wall_and_table_decor.jpg?v=1782935306","url":"https:\/\/hemingwaygallery.nyc\/products\/mende-mask-sierra-leone-sku-m830","provider":"Hemingway African Gallery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}