Mendi Collection

Native Chiefs and Harem, Mendi land (gelatin silver print)
622662 Native Chiefs and Harem, Mendi land (gelatin silver print) by Balmer, William Turnbull (1866-1928); 10.8x15.1 cm; Private Collection; (add.info)

Mende men playing Warri, Gold Coast, West Africa
Men of the Mendi (Mende) country playing a game called Warri, Gold Coast (then part of the British Empire, now part of Sierra Leone), West Africa

The making of a pot, Mendi, Papua New Guinea, 1922. Artist: Northcote Thomas
The making of a pot, Mendi, Papua New Guinea, 1922. From Peoples of All Nations, Their Life Today and the Story of Their Past, volume I: Abyssinia to the British Empire

Mendi (Mende) Dancing Girls, Sierra Leone, West Africa. Date: circa 1930s

Group of native actors, Sierra Leone, West Africa
Group of native actors in costume for a Mendi play, Sierra Leone, West Africa. Date: circa 1920

Men of Mendi from the Southern Highlands at Hagen Show Western Highlands Papua New Guinea; Head dress has King of Saxony plumes

Mendi expedition, Sierra Leone. Palaver hut used as mess
A palaver hut at Mafweh in Sierra Leone, West Africa commandeered as a mess house by the West Indian Regiment during the Mendi expedition of 1898

Driving cattle captured from the enemy, Sierra Leone
A scene in Sierra Leone, West Africa during the Mendi expedition showing troops of the 3rd Battalion, West India Regiment helping to drive cattle captured from the enemy

Freetown, Sierra Leone, pictured in 1898 during the Hut Tax War, an insurrection by the native population which was put down by West Indian troops in what was known as the Mendi expedition

Mendi Expedition. The native method of firing a cannon
The native method of firing a cannon (lighting it and sprinting away) during the Mendi expedition in Sierra Leone, West Africa in 1898

The Mendi Expedition. Boats bombarding enemy positions
Boats bombarding the enemys position on the River Jong in Sierra Leone, West Africa during the Mendi expedition where the 3rd battalion of the West Indian regiment were sent to suppress an uprising

Hut Tax War, Sierra Leone
A good specimen of a taxed hut, the subject of the Hut Tax War, an insurrection by the native population in pockets of Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone Frontier Police
Photograph of Sierra Leone frontier police who joined with the Mendi expedition of West Indian Regiment troops to put down the insurrection of the native population in what is known as the Hut Tax

The West Indian troops rushing the stockade at Bongeh
A scene in Sierra Leone, West Africa during the Mendi expedition showing troops of the 3rd Battalion, West India Regiment rushing the stockade at Bongeh

Government House, Bonthe on Sherbro Island, Sierra Leone
Government House, Bonthe, on Sherbro Island in Sierra Leone, West Africa during the time of the Mendi Expedition to quell the insurrection or Hut Tax War

On the march. Crossing a bridge during the Mendi expedition
Scene depicting troops of the West Indian regiment crossing a palm tree bridge during the Mendi expedition in Sierra Leone in 1898. Date: 1898

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"Mendi: Celebrating the Vibrant Culture of West Africa and Papua New Guinea" Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Mendi, a rich tapestry woven with colorful traditions and diverse communities. From the enchanting Mende Dancing Girls in Sierra Leone to the resilient Chief Cinque, leader of the Amistad captives, these glimpses into West African history transport us to a time filled with rhythm and resilience. Intriguing gelatin silver prints capture Native Chiefs and their Harem in Mendi land, showcasing both power dynamics and cultural intricacies. Meanwhile, Mende men engage in intense Warri games on the Gold Coast, displaying their strategic prowess amidst friendly competition. Traveling further east to Papua New Guinea, we witness Northcote Thomas' artistic depiction of "The making of a pot" by skilled artisans from Mendi. This snapshot offers a glimpse into their craftsmanship passed down through generations. Sierra Leone comes alive once again as native actors take center stage in theatrical performances that honor their heritage. The vibrancy exuded by these talented individuals illuminates stages across West Africa. Finally, we are transported to Western Highlands Papua New Guinea where Men proudly showcase their culture at the Hagen Show. Their traditional attire and spirited presence create an atmosphere brimming with pride and unity. Mendi is not just a name; it represents an entire world waiting to be explored. Through dance, artistry, sportsmanship, and community celebrations spanning continents and centuries - this is an invitation to embrace diversity while cherishing our shared humanity.