This impressive, big shoulder mask carries the name
Nimba, illustrates the goddess of fertility and weighs up to 60 kilograms. The unparalled enormous head gains via its cantilevered hooked nose massive dimensions. The
Nimba is fixed on the shoulders via 4 supports that are hidden during the dance by Raffia cloth. The mask and the bearer are danced about during the rice harvest resp. acting as the patron saint of the pregnant.
This example dates from the early 20th century and has been part of the Boris Kegel-Konietzko collection since 1958. Covered with classical scarring patterns and despite its enormous proportions an extremely decorative and prime object.
Info-Link:
Boris Kegel-Konietzko 
