Zemanek-Münster

Mask "banda" or "kumbaruba" ·  Guinea, Baga / Nalu · ID: 3045699

not available anymore
Provenance
Philippe Ratton, Paris, France
Size
H: 62,5 cm
H: 24.6 inch

Description

wood, brass tags, polychrome painted, some breakages, rep., base

The character represented in this mask, “banda” (also called “kumbaruba” by some Baga groups), is a complex composite of human and animal forms (crocodile, antelope, chameleon, serpent).

Historical documentation suggests that it originally carried an extremely sacred significance. It seems that “banda” represented a high and powerful spiritual being that would appear only to privileged society elders.

“Banda” should keep away in the first line all evil. It has been used in almost every aspect of the Baga’s life, including the initiation of young men, fortune-telling rituals, weddings, planting and harvesting.


The object Mask “banda” or “kumbaruba” with the object ID 3045699 was last part of the auction 92nd Tribal Art Auction at June 29, 2019 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 117.

You can find more Masks and other popular object types on our related topic pages. You may also be interested in our page on African art.


Expertise

Certificate of Authenticity, Philippe Ratton, Paris, 24 November 2017


Comparing literature

Lamp, Frederick, Art of the Baga, New York, 1996, p. 150, ill. 133


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