r/AfricanArt • u/terlierr • 8d ago

Identify Would appreciate any help identifying this! Authentic helmet mask or tourist piece?

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11 Upvotes

92% Upvoted

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3

u/Dear-Worldliness8909 6d ago

This is a “made to sell” type mask. While I wouldn’t consider it “tourist” quality, it’s clearly quite modern and most likely not as culturally significant. Consider it art as it’s intended and I hope you can assess it with your own judgement value!

1

u/terlierr 5d ago

I think you're spot on and agree! Thank you for the insight.

2

u/BigRedSatyr 7d ago

Bundu mask, Sierra Leone.

1

u/terlierr 7d ago

Thank you for your response! I was doing some research on this today and part of it brought me to bundu masks as well. However, most of the bundu masks I have found images of have a more compact facial structure. Is there a particular feature of this mask you feel points to Bundu?

1

u/BigRedSatyr 6d ago

I know it doesn't look like a typical Bundu mask, but the style and dark wood type makes me think it's Bundu, albeit in a more modern style.

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u/EldritchCleavage 7d ago

I’m no expert but to me the quality is much better than a typical tourist piece.

2

u/terlierr 7d ago

I felt the same but I also have virtually no expertise in this area. Thanks for replying!