Sherbro Helmet Mask, Moyamba District, Sierra Leone

Armand Arman, Paris and New York
Pace Primitive, New York
Balene McCormick, Santa Fe, acquired from the above on February 1, 1980

Good condition for an object of this age and rare type. Vertical crack to back left side. Some small areas of insect damage inside. Minor age cracks to "crown". Small opening to lower proper right of chin. Fine blackened glossy patina with encrustation. Some insect casings in crevices.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The McCormick Sherbro Mask belongs to an extremely rare mask type of which only three other examples are recorded, including: one in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (inv. no. "1982.489", erroneously registered as "Mende") and one previously in the collection of William C. Siegmann (inv. no. "87.2.1").

According to Siegmann's ledgers (Registration Record "87.2.1", Siegmann Collection), these masks share the following: "In the Moyamba District there are a small number of unusual masks associated with the society usually and inappropriately called 'Male Bundu'.  This society seems to have been borrowed from the Temne who live nearby.  Its chief function is the initiation and circumcision of boys.  Though the basic form of the mask is similar to that of Sande masks, the beard shows that it represents a male spirit.  The projections on either side of the face represent the leather flaps, or kololewengei, worn by musicians and messengers associated with the Poro society. [...]

"Four masks of this type are known, all by the same carver.  They appear to be used in a context that has a regional base and is associated with circumcision ceremonies prior to initiation into Poro.  Throughout this region there are many societies that are regional and it is likely that this mask belonged to one of them."