Masquerade

Masks exhibiting an artistry that fuses spirituality and femininity with deep reserves of knowledge and power are the centerpiece of an exhibition opening Dec. 9 at the Fowler Museum. Masquerade performances, featuring these carved wooden masks, were performed by the women's Sande association of the Mende peoples of Sierra Leone for many generations to mark young women's initiation into adulthood. Runs through April 27, 2008.