Click Here for New Arrivals! African mask: The 39 Bissagus Islands of Guinea-Bissau were rediscovered in 1456. Here you will find the Bijogo who were infamous for their daring raids on shipping lines along the African coast using huge canoes. Martial virtues were instilled in young Bijogo men from an early age by highly structured institutions and by ritual performance. Male youths were associated with powerful beasts of the sea and land. Young boys would wear calf and fish masks, older uninitiated youths would wear heavier masks depicting wild bulls, sharks, hippos and swordfish. The ceremonial dance is frenzied and violent in accord with the perceived behavior of the animal represented by the mask and with the undomesticated behavior of the uninitiated youth. The swordfish mask would be worn with the proboscis pointing forward, the hollow at the rear resting on top of the head and fastened with ties of green raffia. The mask would not cover the face. The dancer, in full dress, would also wear a large dorsal fin attached to the middle of his back while carrying a shield and a stick with bells. The dancer would make wild swooping and ducking motions during his performance. This type of swordfish mask is best known from the island of Uno. We are fortunate to have acquired one for purchase! These masks are sought after and very hard to obtain. Please click photo for enlargment! See other photos below. Sold. When OFFLINE click button to leave a message!
Dimensions: 43 inches long x 21 inches from its widest point. Wt: 7 lbs. shipping |
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