Mask ‘Gongoli’

Mende, Sierra Leone

Late 19th Century

Wood, Pigments, Fiber

40cm Tall

Provenance:

Private California Collection

This large and beastly mask is known as Mende as ‘Gongoli’, and was performed exclusively for satirical purposes. The grotesque, exaggerated features are paired with a comedic performance to captivate and entertain audiences on various festive occasions. While having no relation to medicine or spiritual authority, these masks have become well-loved and iconic in Sierra Leone due to their distinct impact and uniquely secular nature.