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This collection of images and videos was developed during Dr. William Hommel's four research trips to Sierra Leone, Africa. He carried out research among the Mende during the summers of 1971, 1973, 1976, and 1978. The collection consists of 2,991 images.
Because of the civil war that ravaged Sierra Leone from 1991-2002, many aspects of the traditional village life that thrived for 2,500 years have been destroyed or changed forever. These images are an irreplaceable snapshot of that time and place.
Please note: More than 700 photos in this collection document the work of two wood carvers, Amadu Kamara and Moise Mende, from tree selection to finished ceremonial figure. To see the series, search for Amadu or Moise. If you would like to exclude these photos from your search, enter your keywords and also -amadu -moise, for example: mask -amadu -moise.
The University of Central Oklahoma recognizes the university's main campus is located on the traditional lands of the Caddo and Wichita people.
View the full Land Acknowledgement.
