Wunde Headress

This is a headdress worn by particular members of the Kamakowe section of the mens Wunde society among the Kpa, or western, Mende. This example consists of a dome-shaped basketry headdress, coated in clay, and painted with white and blue. Attached to the top is a large bunch of feathers, some other examples are also adorned with cowrie shells. The headdress was given to the British Museum by Paramount Chief J. W. Quee of the Kowa chiefdom in the Moyamba district, in 1959.

Further Information

• Type: Masks, headdresses
• Object: Wunde Headress
• Materials: Vegetable, organic fibre, Ceramic, Leather, animal skin
• Culture Group: Mende
• Dimensions: 320mm [H] x 660mm [D]
• Production Date: Pre 1959
• Associated Places: Unknown
• Associated People: J. W. Quee (Donor)
• Museum: British Museum
• Accession Number: BM:Af.1959.7.1

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