In African art, sowei masks, the feminine ideal in the Mende culture, embody aquatic spirits. This African mask named Bundu shows a face nestled in a fleshy neck, a symbol of prosperity. Painted black or stained with a leaf wash, the mask was then rubbed with palm oil. Matte grayish brown patina, minor cracks and abrasions. The Mende, Vai and Gola cultures of Sierra Leone, Liberia and the west coast of Guinea are known for the helmet masks of the Sandé female initiation society that prepares young girls for marriage. The male society is the Poro society. Relatively rare in sub-Saharan Africa, these masks are made by men and worn by women. ("African art" Kerchache and "African masks from the Barbier-Mueller collection" coll. Adam Biro)
490.00 € Possibility of payment in 2x (2x 245.0 €) This item is sold with its certificate of authenticity
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