This Mende Bundu, or Sowei mask, is used by the Mende people of Sierra Leone during initiation rites for young women entering adulthood. The mask has a smooth, rounded face with closed eyes, a small mouth, and a high forehead. The intricate hairstyle on top reflects traditional ideals of beauty and personal care, with additional details such as scarification that symbolize key aspects of maturity and growth.
 
Bundu masks are central to the initiation ceremonies of the Sande society, a powerful women-led group within Mende culture. These masks embody the spirit of Sowei, who guides young women through the transition into womanhood. Worn by designated female leaders, the mask represents discipline, knowledge, and the ideals expected of Mende women. The mask is part of a full costume and is danced in a way that highlights controlled movements, emphasizing the values instilled during initiation.
 
The Mende people, who primarily live in Sierra Leone and parts of Liberia, are known for their tightly knit communities and the role of secret societies in social organization. Sande, one of the few female-led societies in West Africa, plays a vital role in education and social structure, guiding young women through social norms, health practices, and responsibilities within the community. The people’s lives revolve around agriculture, and their social organization reflects deep respect for tradition and communal values.