Anthropozoomorphic headdress "banda" or "kumbaruba" · Guinea, Nalu (Baga) · ID: 3052061
Lempertz, Brussels, Belgium, 28 April 2007, lot 25
Werner & Lotte Krause, Hamburg, Germany
Description
wood, colour pigments,
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 (crocodile, antelope, snake, chameleon). According to these external characteristics, the mask was said to possess the abilities and characteristics of various animals found in the bush and water. It was as insidious as a crocodile and, during its dances, gave the impression of being able to fly, crawl and swim.
The object Anthropozoomorphic headdress “banda” or “kumbaruba” with the object ID 3052061 was part of the auction Auction 105 on November 15, 2025. The object with the lot number 201 achieved a sales price of EUR 3,000 with an asking price of EUR 2,000.
Comparing literature
Hahner-Herzog, Iris, Das Zweite Gesicht, Genf, München, New York 1997, ill. 25 The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (cf. AHDRC 0056176)
Publications
AHDRC: 0056156