Sierra Leone wood mask, "Fertility Bundu"

Her features are elegant and serene, her hairdo ornate. This mask is worn during rituals in Sierra Leone. Bundu, sometimes known as Sande, is the name of the powerful female society of the Mende people, one of the two largest ethnic groups in modern day Sierra Leone. In preparation for marriage and motherhood, young girls starting puberty were separated from their families and brought to a compound to be taught the manners and customs they would need as adults. The Bundu mask was to be worn by an adult woman who taught them. Sinclair Yao Daley skillfully sculpts this exquisite mask from sese wood and finishes its sleek surface with natural cola nut dye.