Bundu Mask Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the bundu mask associated with?

Mende peoples

Sande society (correct)

Poro society

Fertility rituals

What time period does the bundu mask date back to?

19th to 20th century CE

In which locations is the bundu mask found?

Sierra Leone and Liberia

Which people are associated with the bundu mask culture?

Mende peoples Signup and view all the answers

What materials are commonly used to create the bundu mask?

Wood, cloth and fiber Signup and view all the answers

The form of the bundu mask is described as ______.

stylized, dark, smooth, stable, harmonious, elaborate Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the functions of the bundu mask?

Worn by initiated women to celebrate the end of their training period to become a woman Signup and view all the answers

What significant content can be found on the bundu mask?

Elaborately coiffed hairstyle, high and broad forehead, small downcast eyes, small mouth, rings of fat on the neck, silent and serious demeanor, voluminous amounts of raffia Signup and view all the answers

What does the context of the bundu mask represent?

Each part of the mask represents an ideal of femininity, the rings on the neck may refer to fertility, ripples of water, or as a chrysalis Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Bundu Mask of the Sande Society

The bundu mask is associated with the Sande society, an initiation group for women in Mende cultures.
It serves as a cultural symbol, celebrating femininity during key life transitions.

Time Period

Originated between the 19th and 20th centuries CE, reflecting societal values of that era.

Geographic Location

Primarily found in Sierra Leone and Liberia, indicating a regional significance in West African culture.

Cultural Significance

Represents the Mende peoples, highlighting their customs, arts, and social structures.

Materials Used

Crafted from wood, cloth, and fiber, showcasing the artisanship and available resources within the culture.

Aesthetic Characteristics

Features a stylized form that is dark, smooth, stable, harmonious, and elaborate, emphasizing an ideal beauty standard.

Purpose and Function

Worn by women who have completed initiation, marking their transition into womanhood.
Symbolizes feminine beauty, potentially used in dance performances, and aims to evoke ancestral spirits linked to water.

Visual Elements

Characterized by distinct features such as an elaborate hairstyle, a high forehead, downcast eyes, and rings of fat around the neck.
Projects a silent and serious demeanor, dressed in a voluminous amount of raffia, enhancing the mask's presence.

Symbolism and Context

Each feature of the mask embodies ideals of femininity, with neck rings symbolizing fertility and transformation.
Represents a counterpart to the male Poro society, which does not utilize masks, highlighting gender roles within the cultures.

Description

Explore the rich cultural heritage of the Mende peoples through these flashcards focused on the Bundu masks of the Sande society. Learn about their historical context, materials, and artistic characteristics from the 19th to 20th century CE in Sierra Leone and Liberia.