Helmet mask

rich dark brown patina, elaborate coiffure with three fan-shaped lobes and four horn-like projections, the facial features compressed into a concave triangular area, neck rings, applications with silver metal sheet (missing in parts), slightly dam. (lower rim), minor missing parts, traces of insect caused damage;
just like helmet masks of the Mende, the helmet maks of the Vai are associated with the education and socialization of young females, as supervised within the "bundu" or "sande" societies. Senior women wear these masks at the termination of initiation ceremonies in order to embody their patron spirit persona of fecundity and grace, known as "sowei".