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Antique Mende Helmet Mask 16″ – Sierra Leone – African Art - $80 (Santa Barbara)
De la guerra st near N Milpas st
condition:
excellent
size / dimensions:
11 x 16 inch
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This helmet mask was carved in the style of the Mende people of Sierra Leone.
Carved from a single block of lightweight wood.
Age late 19th to early 20th century.
Masks like this would be used during performances and rituals. It depicts a female face with an elaborate coiffure. This mask is worn over the head of a female elder who dances for the Sande women's society. The mask displays and celebrates Mende ideals of female beauty and virtue neck creases (full-bodied, good health); smooth, broad forehead (nobility, intelligence); lowered eyes (contemplativeness, restraint); well shaped ears; small nose; small mouth (not given to gossip); composed expression (inner serenity), smooth skin (youthfulness)
Dimensions : 16”x11”