Sierra Leone and Liberia
Mende

Wood and large seeds/nuts
Mid 20th Century
Length: 24 inches
Idiophone – Struck Indirectly – Shaken -Rattle

Mende figural post rattles with stylized hair and neck rings. The Mende use songs for recreation and entertainment, such as those transmitting tribal lore, for storytelling, and to call attention to violations of social norms. There are also many secret-society songs, particularly those associated with specific rituals and masked dancing. Percussive instruments, such as gourd rattles, usually accompany singing and dancing. These post rattles are possibly made for ceremonial purposes or the art trade with no signs of usage.