William L. Hommel Ph.D.

William Hommel, Ph.D. taught African Art for 35 years. First at the University of Maryland and then at the University of Central Oklahoma. He did his research for his dissertation from 1971 to 1978 in Sierra Leone, West Africa, working with the Mende culture to learn about their art and culture. These research trips allowed me to document several previously unpublished rituals and celebrations featuring a wide range of masks. The documentation involved both photography and movies. My interest in the Mende culture continues and through contacts I have been able to add to my knowledge and document several works. I was also fortunate to be able to photograph the collection of pieces in the Sierra Leone Museum, which formed the base for the section on identified artists. This base has continued to be expanded.