The Mende tribe helmet mask was worn exclusively by women.The rituals of their women’s society, called Sande, required the appearance of masked figures. The mask represents an ideal of feminine beauty admired by the Mende: elaborate hairstyle, full forehead and small facial features.The swelling fleshy rolls are considered marks of beauty.
20th century or earlier
Height 40cm
Depth 28cm
Mende Helmet Mask
£550.00Price