BUNDU

Helmet mask (sowei)

Mende, Sierra Leone
Wood, black and brown
H  14 ½ in x Width (at base):   9 ½ in.

This extremely old and extensively patinated mask probably dates to the late nineteenth or early twentieth century.  It is surmounted by a pith helmet that is supported by a central arching ridge.  The pith helmet represents the borrowing of prestige symbolism from the representatives of the colonial power.  A ridge flanks the central ridge on either side.  These three ridges are a stylized representation of a hairstyle once in common use more than a century ago.  Three prominent rectangular flaps are present along the sides of the mask.  Two of these are oriented horizontally, and the outermost, which is curved at the top, is directed upwards.  These represent leather flaps, kololewengoi, associated with dancing and beauty.  The delicately sculpted downcast eyes symbolize modesty and beauty.

Helmet mask (sowei)

Mende, Sierra Leone
Wood, black
H: 16 in. x W (at base): 9 ½ in.

This elaborately sculpted mask is surmounted by three ridges, the central one of which has a prominently sculpted serrated edge.  These ridges represent an archaic hairstyle still in use in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.  Two sculpted disc forms (kololewengoi) are present on either side of the head.  Raffia is attached to the base of the mask.

Helmet mask (sowei)

Mende, Sierra Leone
Wood, black and brown
H: 15 ½ in x W (at base):  9 ½ in.

This deep brown/black and very old mask is surmounted by a cooking pot (koluvei) with two handles.  These pots have several symbolic meanings for the Mende in addition to representing home and hearth.  A box-like form, likely an amulet or talisman (lasimoi), sits atop the forehead.  A band of twelve vertically-directed upright horns sculpted in marked relief is present in the rear of the mask at the base of the coiffure.  Such rows of small horns usually represent those of the duiker.  The hairstyle is comprised of four large buns.  The entire mask shows evidence of extensive use patina, and features of the mask are in some places effaced by repeated applications of njui solution and palm oil and use.

Helmet mask (sowei)

Mende, Sierra Leone.
Wood, black.
H:  13 ½ in x W (at base):  9 in

This exquisitely sculpted old mask is surmounted by a central ridge depicting hair atop of which is a large coiled snake, beneath which are two arching ridges representing hairstyling.  Thus, the hairstyling depicted here is the three ridged variety in common use a century ago.  Rectangular amulets or talismans (lasimoisia) are present in the front and rear of the mask at the base of the pediment supporting the snake.  Twenty-eight vertically oriented horns, arranged in seven sets of four, surround the sides and rear of the mask in a band-like pattern.  These are modeled on those of the duiker and represent containers for medicines (haleisia).  The prominence of the snake on the top of this mask probably symbolizes its relationship to conception and childbirth.

Helmet mask (sowei)

Mende, Sierra Leone
Wood, black.
H: 14 ½ in. x W (at base): 9 in.

A bird sits atop the coiffure of this very old and well-patinated Janus-faced mask.  A row of four upward-projecting duiker horn-like forms is present on either side of the mask, probably symbolizing the medicine (hale) of the Sande Society.   Two serpents carved in relief form arches from beneath each of the faces.  The simultaneous presence of a bird and serpents in the mask symbolizes the perpetual life struggle between good and evil and the inevitability of life’s struggles.  Incised linear forms comprise the remainder of the coiffure.  Janus or multi-faced masks such as this symbolize the idea that spirits can see everything.

Helmet mask (sowei)

Mende, Sierra Leone
Wood, black
H:   15 in. x W: (at base):  8 in.

This very old mask exhibits a heavy black layered patina, the result of numerous applications of njui solution, palm oil, and extensive use.  Hair buns comprise most of the coiffure.  These are gathered at the top of the mask into a pedestal atop of which are two vertical curved forms, one of which is oriented toward the front and one toward the back.  While these may represent the tufts of hair into which the hair buns are gathered, they may also symbolize serpentine forms which represent human procreation.  Two conical forms are present on either side of the coiffure, joined by a crescent form.  Two conical forms are also present on either side of the face, and a band with three rectangular amulets or talismans (lasimoisia) is depicted in relief on the sides and rear of the mask.

Helmet mask (sowei)

Mende, Sierra Leone
Wood, black
H: 15 in. x W (at base): 8 in.

This very old and patinated mask probably dates from either the late nineteenth or early twentieth century.  The coiffure is dominated by a colonial-era pith helmet, a symbol of power and authority.  Metal strips once outlined the upper edges of the forehead.  Complex geometricized linear designs encircle the mask.  Three combs are depicted in an inverted fashion on the sides and in the rear of the coiffure.   Scarifications (ngaya maki) are present in the infraorbital areas bilaterally.  The surface of the mask is highly patinated through use and the application of njui coloring and palm oil.

Helmet mask (sowei)

Vai/Mende, Sierra Leone
Wood, black.
H:  15 in. x W (at base): 8 in.

The high coiffure of this mask is dominated by several large bulging buns, the surfaces of which are sculpted in relief with striations.  The points of these hair buns culminate at the top beneath a disc which is surmounted by five spherical forms.  These spherical forms are probably stylized representations of grape-like clusters of seeds once used to decorate the tops of high coiffures (see Figure 1 in the text and Alldridge 1901: 197).  These high coiffeurs were reserved for Sande Society initiates and the wives of chiefs on special occasions.  An oval form is depicted on each side of the head and in the rear and may represent hair tufts.  The eyelids are prominently depicted as inverted semi-circles.  Eyebrows are also prominently depicted in relief.  The neck rings are sculpted in a predominantly Vai fashion in the rear of the mask.  This feature, the concavity of the lower portion of the face, the convexity of the forehead, and the backward inclination of the mask favor a Vai origin.

Helmet mask (sowei)

Mende, Sierra Leone
Wood, dark brown
H: 16 in. x W (at base):  10 in.

The surface of this very old mask exhibits extensive effacement due to use patina over many years.  Three ridges are present at the top depicting a once common hairstyle.  The central ridge is surmounted by a flat rectangular form representing an amulet or talisman (lasimoi).  Rectangular forms representing amulets or talismans (lasimoisia) are also present above the forehead and in the rear beneath the ridges.  A band of these rectangular forms is also present above the neck rings in the rear.  The coiffure displays woven tresses which have been effaced over time through use patina.  Three infraorbital scarifications (ngaya maki) are sculpted in relief bilaterally.  Raffia is attached to the base of the mask.  The raffia is overlaid with red and blue yarn.

Helmet mask (sowei)

Mende, Sierra Leone
Wood, dark brown.
H:  15 in x W (at base):  9 ½ in.

This Janus-faced mask probably dates to the late nineteenth or early twentieth century.  It exhibits extensive use patina with effacement of some of the surface features.   It is surmounted by a circular formation of four birds joined posteriorly.  The birds are positioned atop a central ridge, with two flanking ridges beneath.  The three ridges, which are stylized depictions of an archaic hairstyle, terminate in the front and back in rectangular talismans.  The sides of the mask are dominated by large rectangular flaps (kololewengoi), the larger of which has a horizontal orientation.  They are overlaid with vertically oriented flaps.  The vertical flaps are surmounted by discs.  All of these forms are intricately sculpted with superficial geometricized designs.   The faces have a compressed configuration, with the eyes, noses, and mouths in close proximity to one another.  The delicately downward cast eyes represent modesty and beauty.  As with all Janus-faced masks, this one symbolizes the ability of spirits to see everything.

Helmet mask (sowei)

Mende, Sierra Leone
Wood, dark brown.
H 15 ½ in. x W (at base):  9 in.

This extremely old and beautiful mask probably dates to the late nineteenth or early twentieth century.  It has an eroded and worn patina.  Traces of the original black njui appliqué, as well as traces of white hojo clay can be seen on the surface.   Three arched ridges sit atop the mask, with the central ridge surmounted by a curving rectangular form.  This form may be a stylized amulet or talisman (lasimoi). On either side of the head are four additional ridges.  Thus, the apex of the mask depicts a stylized version of the seven ridged hairstyle once in use a century ago.  The rear of the mask is sculpted with a large rectangular panel on the surface of which there are two hemi-spherical forms interrupted by a central vertical rectangular form.  This panel likely represents an elaborate amulet or talisman (lasimoi) of the type still in use in the early twentieth century.   The face of the mask has prominent eyes.

Helmet mask (sowei)

Bassa, Liberia
Wood, black
H: 15 in. x W (at base):  9 in.

Prominent features of this striking, very old, and classic Bassa mask include a superstructure with four antero-posterior arching ridge-like forms on either side of the head and two perched birds facing each another at the top.  The four ridges on either side are a stylized depiction of an archaic hairstyle.  In order to create harmonious symmetry, the sculptor placed two stylized arching hair braids at the center of the eight ridges.  The two opposing and balanced birds sit on top of these braids.  The mask demonstrates common Bassa architectonics including a high-set and naturalistic face, the absence of concentric neck rings, and a prominent vertical cylindrical axis.  The surface of the mask exhibits extensive use patina and repeated applications of palm oil.

Helmet mask (sowei)

Mende, Sierra Leone
Wood, black
H: 16 in. x W (at base):  8 in.

This extremely old and very beautiful mask features extensive external use patina, and multiple layers of black njuicoloring and palm oil applied over many years.  The coiffure consists of seven broad stylized vertical hair buns covered with geometricized linear relief patterns, separated by vertically-oriented braid patterns.  A round knob is present on either side of the head and may represent stylized tufts of hair.  The rear is sculpted with five vertical relief panels representing leather flaps (kololewengoi).  These and the two flaps sculpted in a horizontal position along either side of the head contain surface sculpted cowrie (kpoyo) shells in cross formations.  Small metal earrings are present in both ear lobes.  The mask is surmounted by a single large perched bird, symbolizing communication with the spirit world.

Helmet mask (sowei)

Mende, Sierra Leone
Wood, black
H: 16 in x W (at base):  10 in.

This very old and intricately sculpted mask probably dates to the late nineteenth or early twentieth century.  A large sculpted square-shaped amulet or talisman (lasimoi) topped by a small cylindrical knob surmounts the central ridge of the coiffure.  A sac-like amulet or talisman is affixed to the top of the central ridge by a string.  Beneath the amulet or talisman (lasimoi) are two semicircular ridges.  Inferior to these ridges, and mirroring their trajectory, are two large antero-posteriorly oriented horns on either side of the head.  These horns issue from a rectangular amulet or talisman (lasimoi) depicted at the top of the forehead.  These horns may represent those of sheep or the bush cow, but in either case express the power of the Sande Society’s medicine (hale).  Other features of the coiffure have been obliterated by extensive use over time, and the application of multiple layers of thick black njui coloring and palm oil have created an encrusted patina.

Helmet mask (sowei)

Vai, Sierra Leone
Wood, black
H: 17 1/2 in. x W (at base):  9 1/2 in.

Eight vertical stylized hair buns dominate the coiffure of this very old mask.   Four of the buns are topped by spherical structures which in turn support a disc-shaped platform, which may represent an amulet or talisman (lasimoi).  These spheres probably represent stylized seeds once attached to the tops of high coiffures (see Figure I in the text and Alldridge 1901: 197).  This platform in turn is surmounted by four spheres, on top of which is a rectangular form.  Two large inverted triangular areas flank the upper forehead.  They in turn are sculpted with several rows of triangular forms in an alternating pattern of relief and incisional carving.  Small cowrie (kpoyo) shells are attached by strings to the tops of the four large hair buns.  These cowrie shells are covered by thick black pigment derived from the leaves of the njui tree, which was used to periodically re-color the mask.  The overall architectonics of this mask projects the power and strength of the spirit that resides within it.  They also favor a Vai origin given the concavity of the triangulated lower portion of the face, the convexity of the rounded forehead, and the overall backward inclination of the mask.

Helmet mask (sowei)

Mende, Sierra Leone
Wood, black
H: 15 1/2 in. x W (at base):  8 in.

The coiffure of this delicately-sculpted, unusual and old mask is uniquely comprised of the coils of two snakes representing human conception and child.  However, snakes also symbolize danger and a threat to life, peace and tranquility.  The head of one snake is directed upward from the top of the mask.  The head of the other snake points downward over the center of the forehead.  Across the forehead is a panel of four parallel rows of cuboidal forms.  Raffia is attached to the base of the mask.

Helmet mask (sowei)

Helmet mask (sowei).

Mende, Sierra Leone.

Wood, black.

Height: 15 1/2 in.

Width (at base):  8 in.

The coiffure of this delicately-sculpted, unusual and old mask is uniquely comprised of the coils of two snakes representing human conception and child.  However, snakes also symbolize danger and a threat to life, peace and tranquility.  The head of one snake is directed upward from the top of the mask.  The head of the other snake points downward over the center of the forehead.  Across the forehead is a panel of four parallel rows of cuboidal forms.  Raffia is attached to the base of the mask.

Helmet mask (sowei)

Mende, Sierra Leone
Wood, black.
H 15 1/2 in. x W (at base):  8 in.

The coiffure of this delicately-sculpted, unusual and old mask is uniquely comprised of the coils of two snakes representing human conception and child.  However, snakes also symbolize danger and a threat to life, peace and tranquility.  The head of one snake is directed upward from the top of the mask.  The head of the other snake points downward over the center of the forehead.  Across the forehead is a panel of four parallel rows of cuboidal forms.  Raffia is attached to the base of the mask.

Helmet mask (sowei)

Mende, Sierra Leone
Wood, black
H: 14 1/2 in. x W (at base):  9 1/2 in.

Snakes, birds, and lizards dominate the coiffure of this elaborately-sculpted and very old mask.  Four birds atop the mask support a cylindrical form representing a container.  Beneath the birds are three stylized semi-lunar hair ridges which originate and terminate in rectangular forms representing amulets or talismans (lasimoisia).  Two snakes are depicted around the head of the mask, their bodies entwined in the rear, and their mouths enveloping the heads of two lizards.  The elements of this mask symbolize the dramatic struggle between good (birds and lizards) and evil (snakes).  Snakes are dark, hidden, poisonous, and symbols of death.  Birds and lizards, on the other hand, are symbols of all that is visible, bright, and friendly.  The tableau presented in the coiffure of this mask is a stark reminder to spectators of the perpetual struggle between good and evil and right and wrong.  The remainder of the coiffure is decorated with geometricized patterns.  Three scarifications (ngaya maki) are depicted in relief on each cheek beneath the eyes.

Helmet mask (sowei)

Mende, Sierra Leone
Wood, brown
H: 13 ½ in. x W (at base): 8 ½ in.

Three ridges surmount this mask representing an archaic hairstyle.  The ridges terminate in cylindrical forms, representing amulets or talismans (lasimoisia), in front and rear.  The coiffure consists of broad incised linear designs.  A band of shapes of varying forms, perhaps representing amulets or talismans, is found superior to the forehead at the base of the coiffure.