Helmet mask - Raphia, Wood - Mende - Sierra Leone - 35 cm

Mende / Bundu helmet mask with partly woven Raffia collar from Sierra Leone Dimensions approx. (Hx. Wx. L) 35x20x25 cm, 1. 08 kg with the raffia measured, it is much higher Quality as seen in the pictures, some wear and old cracks. The inside of the mask has some compressed wood material as padding. Registered/insured shipping Bundu (or Sande) , a women's association, is almost unique in Africa in that it controls the use of these masks, which embody Sowo, a guardian spirit. These 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 collar and were worn with a full, dark costume of raffia on cloth.