BUNDU: Sowei Headpieces of the Sande Society of West Africa - Pascal James Imperato (Author), Gavin H.; Imperato (Author)

Bundu masks, which are the focus of this exhibition and the catalogue that accompanies it, are unique in sub-Sahara Africa in that they are the only ones worn by women in public masquerades.  These sowei helmet masks, which are diverse in form, are worn by female masqueraders draped in black raffia who embody the society’s spirit and serve as intermediaries with the ancestors. The exhibition presented sixty sculptures that display the wonderful stylistic diversity of these masks among the Bassa, Gola, Mende, and Vai peoples of Africa. Publisher ‏ : ‎ QCC Art Gallery / Kilima House (2012) Language ‏ : ‎ English Paperback ‏ : ‎ 178 pages ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1936658107