In African art, the sowei constitute, through Mende culture, the feminine ideal. This "bell" shaped mask called bundu, among the most important among the Mendé, features a face encased in rings, symbolizing an abundance of flesh associated with prosperity. Painted black or tinted using a leaf wash, the mask was then rubbed with palm oil. Semi-matte patina, abrasions from use, gaps. The Mende, Vaï and Gola cultures, of Sierra Leone, Liberia and the west coast of Guinea, are known in African art for the helmet masks and more particularly those of the female initiation society Sandé< /i> which 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. To close the rituals, a "spirit" appears, wearing this mask garnished with long raffia fibers, and waving a whip with the aim of chasing away malicious spirits and sorcerers. ("African art" Kerchache and "African masks from the Barbier-Mueller collection" coll. Adam Biro)
490.00 € 392.00 € ( -20.0 %) Possibility of payment in 2x (2x 196.0 €) This item is sold with its certificate of authenticity
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