African Tribal Art - Mende Bundu Mask

Ex-private Belgian Mercier collection.

In African Mende art, Sowei masks embody aquatic spirits. The Mende, Vaï and Gola cultures, present in Sierra Leone, Liberia and on the west coast of Guinea, are renowned for their helmet masks used as part of the Sandé female initiation society. This society prepares young girls for marriage, a complementary role to the male society, the Poro. What is relatively rare in sub-Saharan Africa is that these masks are made by men and worn by women. At the end of the rituals, a "spirit" appears, wearing this mask decorated with long raffia fibers, and waving a whip with the aim of chasing away malicious spirits and sorcerers.

The tribal art collection comes from Guy Mercier, a consultant for the Solvay group, who began his collection in the early 20th century. During his work in West and Central Africa, he acquired works there. However, the bulk of his collection came from the "curiosity cabinets" that were popular in European capitals during the 1920s. Additionally, he acquired pieces from prestigious galleries in Paris, Brussels, London and New York. This collection was then entrusted to Mr. Jean Charles Mercier, the grandson of Guy Mercier.

Item accompanied by its certificate of authenticity.

PS: what does the certificate of authenticity consist of? https://www.galerie-art-africain.com/faq.aspx?qid=8

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