Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands: Banda Mask

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Banda Mask

Banda is the name of a masked being found among the Baga, Nalu, and Landuma along the coastal regions of Guinea. The long, horizontal headdress is a composite of representations of the jaw of a crocodile, the face of a human being (complete with characteristic Baga scarification patterns and with a woman's elaborately braided coiffure), the horns of an antelope, and the curved tail of a chameleon. The combination of these features reflects the interaction between members of the community and their natural environment, an area of coastal lowlands cut by bays and estuaries.

Worn on top of the head, the multicolored mask is attached to a long, dense skirt made of vegetal fibers that covers the body of the wearer. Banda masks are the property of the Simo society, a men's association that regulates fertility and initiation ceremonies. Today, these masks are most often seen performing for entertainment on such occasions as visits by dignitaries, public holidays, or other festive occasions.


• Cultures: Nalu; or Baga
• Medium: Wood, metal, pigment
• Place Made: Guinea
• Dates: late 19th or early 20th century
• Dimensions: 61 1/2 x 15 3/4 x 15 3/8 in. (156.0 x 40.0 x 39.0 cm)
• Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands
• Museum Location: This item is on view in African Galleries, 1st Floor
• Accession Number: 58.7
• Credit Line: Caroline A.L. Pratt Fund
• Image: Overall, 58.7_view2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
Nalu. Banda Mask, late 19th or early 20th century. Wood, metal, pigment, 61 1/2 x 15 3/4 x 15 3/8 in. (156.0 x 40.0 x 39.0 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Caroline A.L. Pratt Fund, 58.7 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 58.7_view2.jpg)
• Catalogue Description: Mask, Banda type, anthropomorphic face, large nose, series of 2 crests up middle of forehead, upper one largest, bisects domed cranium, ridged horns extend up and curve slightly inward from above animal-like ears, an open work spiral - starting from back of head - loops around a long ovoid ring starting also above ears. Mouth is cut with teeth both sides, but this is covered by a piece of sheet metal cut open in herring-bone-like pattern. Surfaces are decorated with geometric motifs or stylized designs representing human features, in sunk or raised relief, and incising also used. Mask polychromed white, red, blue, black.