Lot 95a, Auction 4/20/2026: African Bidjogo Wood Dugn’be (Bovine Helmet Mask)

$585.00

In stock

West Africa, Guinea-Bissau, Bissagos Islands, Bidjago (Bissago) culture, ca. mid to late 20th century CE. A wooden helmet mask known as a dugn’be (literally “the ox raised in the village”), representing a wild bull, with real bovine horns affixed to the wood. Nylon cords are threaded through the nose and wrapped around the horns, accompanied by palm frond tassels. The nose cords symbolize the wearer’s masculine power and the necessity of taming their wild energy. During ritual dances, the wrapped cords would have been unraveled and used as a leash by other dancers. The mask is worn atop the head, secured with braided palm chin straps, by young male initiates during post-adolescent initiation ceremonies called Manratche. Several types of bull masks are used on the Bissagos Islands, but the white triangle on the brow identifies this one as a dugn’be. Size: 26″ L x 8″ W x 13.75″ H (66 cm x 20.3 cm x 34.9 cm)

Condition: Right glass eye is cracked but held in place. Horns are slightly loose. Staining and flaking to painted pigments, and losses to paint on ears. Signs of wear and surface discoloration and stains.

Provenance: private Los Angeles, California, USA collection, collected in Guinea Bissau in the late 20th century

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all purchases.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.