Helmet Mask

Sherbro

Sierra Leone

Early 20th Century

Wood, Pigments

38.5cm

ex. Dr. David Gardner, New York

Sometimes when dealing in tribal art, pieces come along which seem to defy classification. This helmet mask from Sierra Leone is a perfect example. It is certainly carved by a Sherbro carver from the southern coast of Sierra Leone, but the exact function has been elusive to ascertain. It is a classical helmet form similar to masks of the ‘Bundu’ society, but is slightly larger than the ones typically made for women. It is also decorated with thick earthen pigments not typically seen on women’s masks. What it may be is a ‘Gonde’ mask, a comic counterpart to the graceful and beautiful ‘Sowei’ masks. However, ‘Gonde’ are typically fashioned from old ‘Sowei’ masks which have been painted white, while this mask seems deliberately carved to represent a unique character. In any case, it is a wonderful old example of Sierra Leonean art, and represents a rather unique departure from the known canon.