This is a rare example of a Mende Bundu mask worn by members of The Humui or Sande society, Sierra Leone, West Africa. A carved wooden mask with a most unusual superstructure on top, a winged dragon like creature, with movable wings. The mask also features four faces and four horns. Within Mende and Sherbro culture, helmet masks are carved with symbolic features that endow wearers with spiritual power. It is likely that members of two distinct initiation societies, Sande and Humui, may have worn this work in performances. As a representation of the guardian spirit of Sande a powerful pan-ethnic women's association responsible for education and moral development ,the work alludes to an idealized female beauty. Worn at performances to celebrate the completion of the young initiates' training period, these masks are finely carved to convey admired feminine features: an elaborate coiffure, a smooth broad forehead, narrowly slit eyes, a small composed mouth, and a sensuously ringed neck.In Humui, a medicine society for men and women, this type of helmet mask has been used to address curative needs, especially mental illness. The four projecting animal horn amulets that rise from the perimeter may be a reference to the horns filled with protective medicinal ingredients worn by Humui members. One of the most unusual examples we have ever offered.The mask itself measures 17 x 9 inches, the dragon is 18 inches across. This mask will also include a heavy duty display stand.

Overall well worn, good condition.