Mende society is governed by a number of esoteric associations, foremost among which are the Sande women’s society and Poro men’s society. Both prepare young initiates for adulthood and make extensive use of masking. The helmet mask presented here, known as ndoli, represents a Sande guardian spirit. From generation to generation, such masks served to induct the new adults of the tribe into the next chapter of their lives, welcoming them to fully embrace the knowledge and lineage of their ancestors.

This ndoli shows a small, meditative face below a smooth and outsized brow marked with light diamond incisions, its chin overlapping bunched neckrings.  An elaborate coiffure is rendered with a host of ring motifs in relief, with bosses and scallop-shaped medallions adorning the brow line. A dramatic, tripartite peak, highlighted with metal applications, confers a crown-like impression that is characteristic of these masks.

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