Anthropo-zoomorphic headdress "banda" or "kumbaruba" ·  Guinea, Nalu / Baga · ID: 3050318

Description

wood, colour pigments, missing part, rest.

This type of headdress was used by both the Nalu and the culturally close Baga. It was called “banda” by the Nalu and “kumbaruba” by some Baga groups.

The mask type is a complex composite of human and animal forms.

Historical documentation suggests that “banda” originally carried an extremely sacred significance. It seems that “banda” represented a high and powerful spiritual being who appeared in times of danger to protect people.

Today, “banda” is danced only for entertainment. The large and heavy headdresses are carried horizontally on the head by young men. The strictly defined choreography culminates in dizzying turns, which demands a lot of strength and body control from the dancers.

The object Anthropo-zoomorphic headdress “banda” or “kumbaruba” with the object ID 3050318 was part of the auction 101st Auction on November 11, 2023, lot number 194 at that time and is currently available for EUR 2,500 in Open sale.

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