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Shoulder Headdress (Zigiren-wunde)

Unknownlate 19th-early 20th century

Brooklyn Museum

Brooklyn Museum
Brooklyn, New York City, United States

Wooden shoulder mask (Nimba pefete) or (Zigiren wunde) in form of female torso with large pendulous breasts, used by the Simo secret society. The figure does not have arms. The head is small. The neck is ringed at the top and at the bottom; the center of the neck is plain. Figure wears a carved diamond shaped pendant necklace. Beneath the breasts is a square shaped opening. Copper beads are inserted in the eyes. Head has a crescent shaped coiffure with chevron design. CONDITION: Portion of right shoulder support broken off, remaining part is attached to a sturdy armature. Base of left shoulder support is set into modern base. Checks on front lower side (left) and on chest area. Some splitting of wood on left side of breast. Pitting throughout piece.

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Brooklyn Museum

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