Back Apron (Timba, Thimba, Isithimba)

Ndebele people, African, South Africa

20th century

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Gold Weight in the Form of a Knife, Asante people or, Baule people, Akan group, Ghana or, Côte d'Ivoire, African, brass
Staff with snake-head finial
Drum, Babanki people, Republic of Cameroon, African, wood, hide, nails, cord
Helmet mask with glossy, black surface; coiffure of fine plaits close to the skull leading to thick braid rising from top of head. Prominent, domed forehead, slitted "cowrie shell" shaped eyes, small mouth, nose, and ears; three vertical scarification marks on each cheek. Two bulging rings around neck; base of mask pierced with multiple holes for attachment of fiber costume. Function: Worn by women of the Sande Society during initiation of girls into the society, and on other occasions; morphology of the mask reflects Mende ideals of feminine beauty and power.