Item Description: A black-painted helmet mask. This mask reflects a woman with braided hair who has a small face and a double chin. The holes at the base were used to attach raffia or other body covering.

Cultural Profile: Masks such as this are made for women initiated into Sande or Bundu society and are used by Gola, Temne, Mende, Kpelle, and Bassa. The roll in back and the double chin communicate a signal of beauty. In most African societies only males are allowed to wear masks. An exception is the Sande Association who used masks in the initiation of girls in coming of age ceremonies. It is said that only women are permitted to wear this type of mask.