Mask "banda"

Description

wood, matt patina, polychrome paint, of narrow, elongated form with a pointed snout-like mouth, revealing two rows of teeth, crowned by a high towering pair of horns, handwritten collection number “169A” at the back, rep. (breakage horns), cracks, traces of abrasion;
this mask type combines human and animal features. It 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.

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