mEnde

The Mende are an ethnic group of West Africa, primarily concentrated in Sierra Leone, with smaller communities in Liberia. They are one of the country’s largest ethnic groups, alongside the Temne.

The Mende language is spoken by the Mende people. It belongs to the Mande sub-branch of the Niger-Congo language family and has several regional dialects.

Traditional Mende society features secret societies, most notably the Poro for men and the Sande for women, which historically guided initiation, education, and social duties. Mende music, dance, and mask traditions are well known and continue to play a part in ceremonies, celebrations, and contemporary art.

Most Mende today practice Christianity or Islam, often alongside traditional beliefs. Modern life among the Mende includes both rural and urban communities, education, and participation in Sierra Leonean and Liberian public life.

Historically, the Mende have lived in regions that became part of Sierra Leone and Liberia. Bai Bureh, a Mende leader, led the 1898 Hut Tax War against British colonial authorities in Sierra Leone.

In contemporary times, Mende people have contributed to Sierra Leonean politics, culture, and society and remain one of the region’s major ethnic groups.