Photographs © Tim Hamill
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BUNDU HELMET MASK 2
17"
$3000
This Mende helmet mask has been vetted as being authentic with significant signs of use and age. Some of the metal strips have broken off and are missing.
Bundu (or Sande), a women's association, is almost unique in Africa in
that it controls the use of these masks, which embody Sowo, their guardian
spirit. The masks usually include an elaborate hairstyle and attempt to
represent serene feminine beauty, with high foreheads, small, compressed
facial features, and voluminous neck-rings, depicting the desirable full-figured
woman. Originally all had a dark raffia collarand were worn with a full,
dark costume of raffia on cloth.
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