Important carved wooden Sowei/Bundu anthropomorphic mask-helmet

Impressive anthropomorphic wooden carved and patinated mask-helmet, belonging to the artistic tradition of the Sande/Bundu women's societies of Sierra Leone, generally associated with the Mende people and neighboring Temne, Vai and Gola groups. The piece immediately stands out for its particularly spectacular composition: a powerful female face forming the main part of the helmet is surmounted by a second female figure carved in the round, creating a monumental and highly decorative vertical construction. The large face presents narrow slit-like eyes, a long, carefully modeled nose, a closed mouth, and several vertical incised marks on the forehead and cheeks. The whole exudes a hieratic and introspective expression characteristic of the aesthetics of mask-helmets from this region. The upper figure itself repeats several stylistic codes of Mende art: stylized face, elaborate hairstyle, beaded neck and substantial geometric decoration. The back and shoulders are entirely covered with deep parallel incisions arranged in chevrons and leafy-pattern motifs, giving the sculpture a remarkable graphic richness. The work is particularly interesting when observed from the side and from the back: the volumes are strongly developed, the sculpture designed to be appreciated in 360 degrees and not only from the front. The surface shows a dark brown to black patina, with warmer nuances appearing on the protruding parts and worn areas. Abrasions, small marks, irregularities and color variations contribute to the piece’s character and attest to its material history. The interior is fully hollowed out. One can observe numerous traces of workmanship and abrasion. The lower edge is perforated with several evenly spaced holes; this type of perforation is traditionally found on mask-helmets to allow the attachment of supplementary elements such as fibers or a costume. Examples housed in the British Museum also display this peripheral perforation. In Sande traditions, Sowei or Ndoli Jowei masks are particularly noteworthy in the history of African art because they are associated with a female society and are traditionally worn during ceremonies by women. Ancient pieces are generally carved by men but commissioned and used within the female Sande/Bundu institutions. The presence of a sculpted female figure above the helmet, combined with the density of incised decorations and the monumental nature of the composition, gives this specimen a particularly strong presence. Very beautiful piece for a collection and decoration, perfectly suited to a collection of African art, tribal art, or ethnographic objects.

Estimate:£760.35

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