Zoomorphic mask "banda" ·  Guinea, Baga · ID: 3034718

Description

wood, matt patina, polychrome paint, crowned by a board-shaped forehead crest and a pair of horns, min. dam., cracks, missing parts, slight traces of abrasion;
the “banda” mask figure belonged to the men society “simo” and was looked upon as an outmost hazardous being, which appeared in times of danger in order to protect the people. Furtheron it was danced at harvest festivities, weddings, initiation rites and funerals of important people. They are hardly danced nowadays and if so just for entertainment. The mask was worn horizontal on top of the head and was completed by an elaborate costume of plant fibre which nearly covered the whole body of the dancer.

Comparing literature

Segy, Ladislas, Masks of Black Africa, New York 1976, pl. 5