While currently being marginalized by pressure from Islamic conventions concerning the figurative in art, Mende society was originally controlled by the Sande group. They were charged with responsibility for a sacred medicine known as halei, which was bestowed by deities upon the Mende and their close neighbours, the Gola. The power of halei was displayed during prolonged “Now” dancing masquerades, which were performed using these masks and long, dark costumes, although the actual secrets of halei were never divulged. There were various levels of Sande initiation, each with its own mask. The more ornate the mask, the higher the grade. Once made and endowed with magic through strategic application of oil and halei materials, the mask stays with the owner until she retires, dies, or is promoted.

Exceptionally, Sande masks – once they reach a certain age or eroded condition – can be reinvented as Gonde, the counterpart to Sande in the ceremonial dances noted above. Sande is always viewed as being mature, sedate and serene, while Gonde is something of a roué – irascible, irreverent and cheeky. He is thus much loved in the masquerade. The masks, in addition to being somewhat eroded, are often decorated with pigment in a manner that contrasts strongly with the more monochrome appearance of the Sande masks.

Gonde masks are uncommon; this is a rare and beautiful piece of socially important African art.