Anthropomorphic mask "banda" or "kumbaruba"
Gallery Alain Bovis, Paris, France
Description
wood, dark brown patina, white, turquoise and dark red paint, the flat face tapering to a point, the facial plane divided by grooves, separating various compartments which are dyed in alternating colours, the vaulted forehead coated with fine grooves, the face entirely framed by a compact grass collar, which is completed by long extending grass fibres, slightly dam., on metal base;
the character “banda”, also called “kumbaruba” by some Baga groups, has a long, horizontal headdress composed of the jaw of a crocodile, the face of a human being, the horns of an antelope, the body of a serpent, and the tail of a chameleon. “Banda” used to be found all along the coast, from the Baga Kalum in the south through the Landuma, to the Nalu in the north. It belonged to the “simo” society. Today the “banda” headdress is danced only for entertainment. Before the 20th century “banda” seems to have represented a high and powerful spiritual being, and appeared only to privileged society elders. It reportedly figured in ritual designed to protect against crocodile attacks, human malevolence, and other dangers, especially at the time of male initiation to mark the attainment of adolescence, adulthood, and elder status. It also appeared on such events as marriage, harvest celebrations and new planting ritual, and the appearance of the new moon, all auspicious occasions.