A carved wooden helmet mask with stylized diminutive face and elaborate coiffure, obvious signs of handling and wear. This type of mask is associated with girls' initiation ceremonies by the Sande, which is a women's society responsible for initiating girls into adulthood and are committed to women's social and political interests. Female initiates were taken into an area of forest outside the town or village where they would spend several weeks or months being tutored in domestic skills, farming, sexual matters, dancing and medicine by female elders. They would also be tutored in the secrets of the women's society and taught its songs and dances. When they later emerged, in fresh clothing and with new names signifying their new adult status, the young women would be accompanied by a dancer wearing such a mask. Mende peoples, Sierra leone, Africa. The mask measures 16.5 x 8 inches. A durable metal display stand can be included for an additional $35.00

fair, well handled