Photographs © Tim Hamill
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BUNDU HELMET MASK 6
15"
$600
This mask has two cracks that are now stable; one on the side (see detail) and a smaller one near the chin.
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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