Mask "banda" ·  Guinée, Nalu · ID: 3035698

Description

wood, matt patina, polychrome painted, of narrow, elongated form with a pointed snout-like mouth, revealing two rows of teeth, rep. (breakage forehead), small missing parts through insect caused damage, cracks, slight traces of abrasion;
the mask type combines human and animal features: the long snout with tapering teeth reminds of a crocodile. The head ornament unifies female hairstyle with horns and ears of an antelope, a chameleons tail and the twining body of a snake. Corresponding to its outward attributes, certain abilities and characteristics were ascribed to the mask type. It was looked upon as being insidious like a crocodile and when appearing it created the outward impression of being able to fly, crawl and swim at the same time.
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.

Littérature comparée

Hahner-Herzog, Iris, Das Zweite Gesicht, Genf, München, New York 1997, ill. 25